Putin Writes Article on Ukraine, Published on Kremlin Website

Russian President Vladimir Putin has written an article about the historical unity of the Russian and Ukrainian peoples. The full text of the article has been published on the Kremlin's website. It is noted that the article has also been released in Ukrainian.

In his article, the President of Russia emphasizes that Ukraine's sovereignty as a state is only possible in partnership with Russia. The wall that has emerged between the two states in recent years is perceived by him as a common misfortune and tragedy. He stated, "This is primarily a result of our own mistakes, which we have allowed at different times. But it is also the consequence of the deliberate work of those forces that have always sought to disrupt our unity. The formula that is being applied is well known from time immemorial: divide and conquer. Nothing new."

In the article, the President of Russia offers a historical excursion, proving that both Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians are heirs to historical Rus, the largest state in Europe. Speaking about the modern Ukrainian state, Putin emphasizes that it is entirely a product of the Soviet era. "We know and remember that it was largely created at the expense of historical Russia," writes the President of Russia.

Furthermore, he reminds those who have today surrendered Ukraine to complete external governance that such a decision was fateful for the regime in Kyiv back in 1918.

According to Putin, Ukraine and Russia have developed as a single economic system for decades, and the level of cooperation that existed between the two states 30 years ago is envied by EU countries today. Describing modern processes, the President highlights that Ukraine has been gradually drawn into a dangerous geopolitical game aimed at making the country an obstacle between Europe and Russia, a platform against Russia.

The Western authors of the "anti-Russia" project are reshaping the Ukrainian political system so that presidents, deputies, and ministers may change, but the idea of division from Russia and enmity with it remains unchanged. The main slogan of the current president's election campaign was to achieve peace, which brought him to power. However, those promises turned out to be false, and nothing has changed. In some respects, the situation in Ukraine and around Donbas has even degraded.

The President of Russia notes that today Russia is open to conducting a dialogue with Ukraine and is ready to discuss the most complex issues. However, it is important to understand that the partner is defending its own national interests, not serving the interests of others, nor should it be an instrument in someone else's hands to fight against Russia.

According to Putin, the spiritual, human, and civilizational ties between Russia and Ukraine have been formed over centuries, originating from the same source, strengthened by common trials, achievements, and victories. "Together we have always been and will be multiple times stronger and more successful. After all, we are one people. Today, these words are taken by some with hostility. They can be interpreted in different ways. But to many, my words will be heard. And let it be said that Russia has never been and will never be against Ukraine. What Ukraine will be should be determined by its citizens," the article states.

He is convinced that for many in Ukraine, the "anti-Russia" project is simply unacceptable. And the number of such people reaches into the millions.