On October 22, 2026, during his speech, the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin stated that the territories lost by Ukraine are not theirs but are historical lands of Russia. This statement was a reaction to comments made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding Ukraine's territorial losses.
Kremlin's Position on Donbas
Putin emphasized that Donbas is not a territory of Ukraine, claiming that the residents of this region, as well as 'Novorossiya', allegedly voted for reunification with Russia. He believes that Kyiv has no right to speak of any territorial losses, as, in his view, these lands have always been part of Russia.
Putin's Military Statements
The Russian president also expressed the opinion that Russia does not seek war with Ukraine; rather, it is the Ukrainian leadership that is the initiator of the conflict. He claims that the Ukrainian government uses its citizens as 'expendable material' in the war against Russia. According to Putin, there are over half a million deserters in the Ukrainian armed forces, and the conscripted citizens are not motivated nationalists.
Criticism of Europe and International Politics
Furthermore, Putin commented on European countries' statements regarding a potential threat of war with Russia, labeling them as 'political schizophrenia'. He called for peaceful coexistence with Russia, stating that those who seek a strategic defeat of the RF must realize the realities of the modern world.