Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that Moscow is not seeking the unconditional surrender of Ukraine and that both the country’s people are ‘one people.’ Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin reiterated his long-standing belief that Russia does not intend to destroy Kyiv, RT reported. Meanwhile, he demanded the recognition of the ‘realities’ developed on the ground.”

The Russian President was asked if Moscow wants the same kind of unconditional surrender from Kyiv that Trump wants from Iran. Putin stated that Ukraine’s conflict stands in complete contrast to the escalating tensions in the Middle East. When asked about Russia’s broader military goals and if he would go beyond the Ukrainian territories incorporated after the 2022 referendums, Putin explained, “Moscow has never denied Ukraine’s right to be an independent country.”

“Ukraine Is Ours,” Says Putin

Putin also clarified, “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.” However, he also kept open the possibility of taking the city of Sumy, which shares a border with Russia. “We don’t have the goal of taking Sumy, but in principle, I don’t rule it out,” he said.

Zelenskyy – “Russia Not In A Mood For A Ceasefire”

Meanwhile, Putin also raised suspicion over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s authority to sign a peace treaty. On the other hand, Zelenskyy on Friday took to his X, stating, “The Russians once again openly and absolutely cynically declared that they are “not in the mood” for a ceasefire.”

He further stated, “Russia wants to wage war. Even brandishing some threats. This means the pressure the world is applying isn’t hurting them enough yet, or they are trying very hard to keep up appearances. Well, the Russian economy is already crumbling. We will support this process even more. Ayatollah Putin can look at his friends in Iran to see where such regimes end up, and how far into decay they drive their countries.”