Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he will not compromise on his demands for Ukraine to cede territory. In a speech at the annual meeting of the Russian Defence Ministry, Putin lashed out at Ukraine’s European allies and said Russia would take territory by force if necessary. He said, Russia does not deny anyone the right to security, but insists that promises made to it be fulfilled, including on NATO not expanding eastward.

Putin’s comments came ahead of a key summit this week in Brussels, where European leaders will debate whether to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine. Meanwhile, US and Russian negotiators are expected to hold talks in Miami, US, this weekend over a peace deal aimed at ending the Ukraine crisis.