Vladimir Putin on Ukraine

Vladimir Putin maintains a core position that Russians and Ukrainians constitute one people, descendants of Ancient Rus, making the current separation a great misfortune and tragedy. He asserts that the creation of a wall between the two entities is due to deliberate efforts by external forces seeking to divide and rule, claiming modern Ukraine is a product of the Soviet era, shaped on historical Russian lands. Furthermore, he views the current Ukrainian state's trajectory as an "anti-Russia" project under external control, characterized by aggressive Russophobia and the denial of shared history.

This viewpoint frames the conflict as a necessary action to protect Russian-speaking populations facing alleged genocide, and to achieve the "demilitarization and denazification" of Ukraine, which he claims is dominated by neo-Nazis. He has stated Russia has no plans to occupy Ukrainian land but demands that Ukraine cease actions that serve as a springboard against Russia. He believes true Ukrainian sovereignty is only possible in partnership with Russia, as their deep, centuries-old spiritual and civilizational ties are foundational.