The latest remarks from the Russian president regarding the war in Ukraine starkly contrast with the Kremlin's recent statements. Although he was addressing an economic forum, Vladimir Putin took the opportunity to deliver some of his most aggressive comments on Ukraine in quite some time.
During a Q&A session at Russia's premier investment event in St. Petersburg, he was asked about his ultimate goals in the conflict. He responded, "I have said many times that I consider the Russian and Ukrainian people to be one nation. In this sense, all of Ukraine is ours." This statement was met with enthusiastic applause from an audience of supportive politicians and business leaders.
He further asserted, "There is an old rule: 'Where a Russian soldier sets foot, that is ours.'" Essentially, he was indicating his desire to claim all of Ukraine. These remarks were unexpected, given their stark divergence from the Kremlin's recent messaging.
Since Donald Trump initiated his efforts for a peace agreement, Moscow has adopted a more conciliatory tone, seemingly to demonstrate its willingness to engage in negotiations with Washington. However, that sentiment was absent in recent statements. In fact, the Russian president issued a nuclear threat against Ukraine for the first time in months.
When asked how Moscow would react if Kyiv deployed a dirty bomb against Russian forces, he warned of "catastrophic" consequences for Ukraine. "This would be a colossal mistake by those we refer to as neo-Nazis in present-day Ukraine," he stated. "It could be their final error.
"We always respond, and we respond in kind. Therefore, our reaction will be very severe."
The Kremlin's displays of nuclear threats were a regular occurrence in the final days of the Biden administration, yet they quieted once Mr. Trump assumed office.
However, it appears that he has abruptly returned to this tactic. This seemed like a calculated message from Vladimir Putin indicating that, regardless of ongoing peace discussions, Russia is not planning to retreat, whether in military confrontations or at the negotiation tables. It suggests that Moscow is not particularly concerned about provoking Donald Trump.
The American leader seems to have pulled back from efforts to mediate the dispute, yet he still appears to be aiming for improved relations with Moscow. These remarks also indicate Putin's belief that the situation is favoring him.
