Putin Claims All of Ukraine is Russia's | JQJO

Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that Russians and Ukrainians are "one people," claiming "all of Ukraine is ours." This statement, made at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, reflects Moscow's continued rejection of Ukrainian sovereignty. Putin also suggested the potential capture of Sumy, a northeastern Ukrainian city, despite claiming no objective to do so. He cited retaliatory measures against alleged Ukrainian shelling of Russian border areas. Ukraine condemned Putin's remarks as showing disdain for peace efforts.