Overview

• Speaking at the Valdai forum on Oct. 2 in Sochi, Vladimir Putin said public consciousness in Ukraine is changing gradually despite what he described as efforts to “wash people’s brains.”
• He asserted that similar changes in attitudes are occurring in the “overwhelming majority” of countries worldwide.
• Putin argued the West treats Ukrainians as expendable and portrays the war as a card in a broader geopolitical game.
• He claimed Western instructors are taking part in combat, cast doubt on Kyiv’s mobilization, and cited large desertions and losses while urging Ukrainian leaders to consider talks with Russia.
• RIA Novosti published the remarks and TASS summarized additional claims, and neither report provided independent polling or verification of shifts in Ukrainian opinion.