During a session, Vladimir Putin once again declared that he considers “the Russian and Ukrainian peoples to be one nation,” and therefore, “in this sense, all of Ukraine is ours”. He added that an “ancient rule” applies: “where a Russian soldier sets foot – that is ours”.

Putin emphasized that any negotiations must consider “the will of the people living in certain territories”, referring to the disputed 2022 referendums held in four Ukrainian regions and in Crimea.

The Russian president issued a warning of “catastrophic” consequences for Ukraine if it were to use a so-called “dirty bomb”. He called it a “colossal mistake” and “Kyiv’s last mistake”. This is the first time in six months that a nuclear threat has been voiced so explicitly.

Putin also announced that Russian forces had advanced 10 kilometers into Ukraine’s Sumy region, allegedly to create a “buffer zone” to protect against cross-border shelling – despite previous statements that the city of Sumy was not a strategic priority. Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported the capture of several settlements in the Donetsk region, including the village of Zaporozhye.

Putin stated that Russia does not aim to destroy Ukraine, but insists that Kyiv must recognize the “realities” on the ground—namely, the territories controlled by Moscow – and abandon its aspirations to join NATO.

These remarks indicate a continued aggressive agenda. The nuclear threat over the potential use of a dirty bomb sends a strong signal to the West and increases pressure on Kyiv.

Putin links historical kinship between the peoples with a legal claim to the entirety of Ukrainian territory – an ideological stance used to justify territorial expansion.

The Kremlin’s main demands are recognition of the annexed territories and Ukraine’s renunciation of Euro-Atlantic integration. According to Putin, without this, “dialogue will proceed from a weaker position.”

Moscow frames these military actions as necessary steps for “border security”, primarily blaming Kyiv for cross-border attacks.

The threat of catastrophic consequences is a signal not only to Ukraine, but also to the West – a move aimed at limiting direct military support to Kyiv, especially regarding technologies considered offensive.

Putin’s hardline rhetoric at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum resonates with the domestic public and political establishment, reinforcing the image of a strong leader through the narrative of “aggressive defense”.

Putin’s statements on June 21 escalate pressure on Ukraine and its allies. His unwavering territorial claims and nuclear threats reflect Russia’s uncompromising stance, worsening the prospects for diplomatic resolution and maintaining high tension on the international stage.

Expert Group CCBS

#ANALYSIS

#RUSSIA

#UKRAINE

22.06.2025 10:51