Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday that Russians and Ukrainians are “one people,” suggesting that “all of Ukraine is ours.” This statement reinforces Russia’s persistent denial of Ukrainian sovereignty and escalates concerns over Russia’s territorial desires.
Putin asserted that, despite acknowledging Ukraine’s sovereignty after its independence in 1991, Ukraine has abandoned its stance as a neutral country. He reiterated the idea that Russians and Ukrainians are essentially the same nation—a position rejected by Kyiv and its Western allies.
Ukraine contended that Putin’s comments displayed a disregard for the peace process. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga responded on X, suggesting that the only way to coerce Russia into peace is by undermining its sense of impunity.
Additionally, Putin did not exclude the possibility of capturing the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, which lies close to the Russian border. Despite not being among the five Ukrainian regions that Moscow claims to have annexed—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea—Sumy has been subject to Russian attacks and was a launchpad for a Ukrainian counteroffensive into Russia’s western Kursk region.
Putin’s comments contribute to doubts about the feasibility of peace talks, as Moscow insists on further Ukrainian territorial concessions for any potential ceasefire.
Edited by Sean Sinico
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/putin-all-of-ukraine-is-ours-in-theory-eyes-sumy-city/a-72990253?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
