Ukraine’s statehood at risk of ‘irreparable blow’ if pattern of war continues, says Putin
FirstpostRussian President Vladimir Putin has said that Ukraine’s statehood could suffer an “irreparable blow” if the pattern of the war continued, and Russia would never be forced to abandon the gains it had made. Putin dismissed “so-called peace formulas” being discussed in the West and Ukraine and what he called the “prohibitive demands” they entailed. If this continues, Ukrainian statehood may suffer an irreparable, very serious blow.” Putin’s statements about the course of the war have become increasingly confident and aggressive in recent months, with the failure of Ukraine’s counter-offensive to deliver any substantial gains against well entrenched Russian forces. Everyone understands that this is impossible.” A peace formula put forward by Zelenskiy calls for the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of Russian troops, among other points.