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Putin Declares 'Whole of Ukraine Is Ours' and Eyes Sumy Advance

Putin’s remarks signal possible deeper incursions in Ukraine’s north, underscoring a diplomatic deadlock over territorial control.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin reiterated his long-held belief that Russians and Ukrainians are one people.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) this week said he has not ruled out capturing another major Ukrainian city through military force. File Photo by Russian Presidential Office/UPI
Vladimir Putin is pictured at the 28th Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum SPIEF 2025, June 20, 2025, in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Overview

  • At the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin claimed Russians and Ukrainians are “one people” and declined to rule out a military push on Sumy.
  • He said Russian forces have penetrated up to 12 kilometers into the Sumy region to establish an 8- to 12-kilometer buffer zone along the border.
  • The Russian leader insisted Moscow demands recognition of “realities on the ground” rather than Ukraine’s surrender and questioned President Zelenskyy’s legitimacy to sign any treaty.
  • Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha denounced the comments as cynical disdain for peace efforts and President Zelenskyy called them a rejection of ceasefire talks.
  • Russia’s defence ministry reported a new prisoner‐of‐war exchange with Kyiv on Friday, even as wider negotiations remain stalled over territorial control and ceasefire terms.