Putin: Moscow Doesn’t Want Kyiv’s Surrender, Sumy Remains a Possibility

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He mentioned that Moscow does not desire Ukraine’s unconditional surrender and considers Russians and Ukrainians to be a unified people. Putin stated that, in his view, ‘all of Ukraine is ours.’ He also addressed the potential capture of the city of Sumy, stating that while it is not a current goal, it remains a possibility. Furthermore, he reiterated that Russia’s main goal is not to destroy Kyiv, but to see the ground realities recognized. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reacting to Putin’s comments, said that Russia is not interested in a ceasefire.