Putin doubles down on Ukraine: "Ukraine is ours, where a Russian soldier stands"
Russian president, Putin, declares: "Any territory where a Russian soldier is stationed belongs to us."
Vladimir Putin has reiterated Russia's aggressive stance on Ukraine, asserting that the entire neighboring country is rightfully Russia's. Addressing a captivated audience at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin declared, "In essence, all of Ukraine belongs to us." This claim, accompanied by triumphant applause, underscores Russia's expansive territorial claims in the region.
In a surprising move, Putin's initial one-hour speech barely touched on Ukraine, contradicting widespread presumptions. His focus, instead, was on NATO's supposed aggression, positioning Moscow's invasion as a necessary response. Putin insists on preventing Ukraine's potential accession into NATO at all costs.
When probed further, Putin clarified that his actions in Ukraine should not be likened to US President Donald Trump's demands for Iran's unconditional surrender. Rather, Russia seeks mere recognition of the "realities on the ground" in Ukraine, a catchphrase often signifying Russia's territorial control over a substantial portion of the country. These "realities" include Russian troops advancing and Ukraine's withdrawal from occupied territories, cessation of military operations, and establishment of a leadership favorable to Moscow.
With Russian control extending over more than one-fifth of Ukraine's territory, the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the occupation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia oblasts, Putin's assertive rhetoric echoes his territorial ambitions. In the past month alone, Russian forces have expanded their control by an additional 232 square miles, with an additional 64 square miles gained in the last week[3]. These ongoing territorial gains, however, have not deterred Ukraine and its allies from resisting Russian control, with active military operations and diplomatic efforts to counteract Russian aggression[1][3].
Sources: ntv.de, ses/dpa, 1, 3
In the context of Putin's assertive statements about Ukraine, the Kremlin's political stance on war-and-conflicts could involve a push for recognition of Russian control over occupied territories in Ukraine, such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia oblasts. Meanwhile, General News reports indicate ongoing military operations and diplomatic efforts by Ukraine and its allies to counteract Russian aggression in these regions.
