Ukrainians and Russians are one people, said Vladimir Putin while citing the concept of ‘Historical Russia’ to undermine Kyiv’s sovereignty and justify his 10-month offensive in Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin scolded the West for trying to “tear apart” Russia and said his offensive in Ukraine aimed to “unite the Russian people”.
“Russia’s geopolitical opponents were aiming to tear apart Russia, historical Russia,” said Putin in an interview that will go on air later today.
“The west has always tried to divide and conquer, but our goal is something else, to unite the Russian people,” Putin added.
“We are acting in the right direction, we are protecting our national interests, the interests of our citizens, of our people,” Putin said.
When asked about the new air defense system the U.S. promised to deliver to Ukraine, President Putin said, “Of course, we will destroy it, 100 percent!”