Putin claims Ukraine belongs to Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently stated that Ukraine is part of Russia, stirring global tension. Speaking at an economic forum in St. Petersburg on June 20, 2025, he claimed Russians and Ukrainians are one people, saying, “In that sense, the whole of Ukraine is ours.” He suggested Russian forces might seize the Ukrainian city of Sumy to create a border buffer zone, though he noted it’s not a primary goal.

Putin’s remarks come as Russia controls about one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory, following its 2022 invasion and the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called Putin’s comments “deranged” and urged stronger sanctions against Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the idea of shared identity, emphasizing Ukraine’s independence since 1991.

He vowed to defend Sumy, stating Ukrainian forces are countering Russian advances. The remarks follow a major Russian air attack on Kyiv, escalating the ongoing conflict now in its fourth year. Putin’s rhetoric, rooted in historical claims, has long justified Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

He insists peace depends on Ukraine accepting Russia’s territorial gains and staying neutral. However, his statements have dimmed hopes for peace talks, with Kyiv and its allies condemning his aggressive stance. The international community watches closely as the war’s toll mounts.