Russian President Vladimir Putin has clarified that Moscow is not demanding Ukraine’s unconditional surrender, but is instead insisting on international recognition of the territorial and political “realities” created by the ongoing conflict, as reported by RT.
Speaking during a plenary session at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin contrasted Russia’s approach in Ukraine with U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on Iran, rejecting any comparison between the two conflicts.
“We are not seeking the surrender of Ukraine. We insist on recognition of the realities that have developed on the ground,” Putin said, calling the Ukraine conflict “completely different” from the Middle East situation.
Pressed further about Russia’s military objectives, particularly whether Moscow aims to push beyond the territories incorporated after the 2022 referendums, Putin sidestepped a direct answer. However, he did not rule out further advances, including into the Sumy region, which borders Russia.
“We don’t have the goal of taking Sumy, but in principle, I don’t rule it out,” he remarked.
Russian troops have reportedly established a 10-12 km “buffer zone” in the Sumy area following what Putin called a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region last August.
Putin reiterated his controversial belief that Russians and Ukrainians are “one people”, stating: “I have said many times that I consider Russians and Ukrainians to be one people, in fact. In this sense, all of Ukraine is ours.”
Still, he insisted that Moscow does not deny Ukraine’s right to exist as an independent state.
Addressing Ukraine’s current military capacity, Putin claimed that Kyiv’s forces are only 47% manned on average, and described Ukraine’s offensive on the Kursk region as a “catastrophe”, estimating Ukrainian losses from that operation at around 76,000 troops.
When asked about the prospect of peace talks, Putin said he remains open to discussions, even with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, he cast doubt on Zelensky’s legal legitimacy, since his presidential term expired in 2024, and no new elections have been held under martial law.
“The question is, who will sign the document?” Putin asked, suggesting that any peace agreement signed by Zelensky might be invalidated by future leadership.
“The signature must come from legitimate authorities. Otherwise, whoever comes after him will toss it to the dumpster,” he added.
Putin accused Ukrainian leadership of relying on propaganda over legal authority, noting that many Ukrainian officials serve at the president’s discretion, raising further doubts about the legitimacy of their actions in office.
Despite these criticisms, Putin maintained that he is open to dialogue if Kyiv can present a legally recognized negotiator.
The remarks come amid growing international attention on the stalemated conflict, as the war grinds on with no diplomatic breakthrough in sight.
