'All of Ukraine is ours,' says Putin as he threatens nuclear attack and more

Russian President Vladimir Putin stirred a storm yet again after he declared that Russians and Ukrainians are “one people” and “all of Ukraine is ours”. The assertion reflected Putin’s underlying nature of rejecting Ukraine's sovereignty as the war between the two nations continues to escalate.

While speaking at a Q&A session at Russia’s flagship investment event in St Petersburg, Putin was asked what his end game is in the conflict. In response to the question, Putin showcased his territorial ambition. “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.”

While Putin’s answer received rapturous applause from an auditorium full of fawning politicians and business figures in Russia, it sent shockwaves across Ukraine . Putin went on with his warning against Ukraine. “There is an old rule,” he said. “‘Where a Russian soldier sets foot, that is ours. ‘”

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Is Moscow becoming more aggressive?

Ever since US President Donald Trump has been calling for a peace deal , Moscow has adopted a softer tone in an attempt to show Washington that it is interested in a settlement. However, Putin’s latest remarks were in sharp contrast to the Kremlin’s recent rhetoric. Not only this, but for the first time in months, the Russian president also threatened a nuclear strike on Ukraine.

When asked how Moscow would respond if Kyiv used a dirty bomb against Russian forces, Putin vowed “catastrophic” consequences for his enemy. “This would be a colossal mistake on the part of those whom we call neo-Nazis on the territory of today’s Ukraine,” he said. “It could be their last mistake.” “We always respond and respond in kind. Therefore, our response will be very tough,” he added.

During former US President Joe Biden’s time at the White House, the Kremlin used to give nuclear threats almost weekly, but the sabres stilled when Trump returned to the Oval Office. Putin’s recent remarks reflected how Russia might no longer be concerned about which way Trump is heading.

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Meanwhile, amid the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel , Trump appears to have distanced himself from trying to mediate the Russia-Ukraine conflict but still seems to be pursuing warmer ties with Moscow. Both Trump and Ukraine are yet to respond to Trump’s remarks.