Russia’s President Vladimir Putin gives a speech at the plenary session during the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on June 20, 2025. (Olga Maltseva/Getty Images)
| Published June 21, 2025
In a provocative and alarming declaration at Russia’s National Economic Forum on June 20, 2025, President Vladimir Putin openly claimed that “all of Ukraine is ours,” signaling a dramatic hardening of Moscow’s territorial ambitions. His remarks, which included references to shared identity between Russians and Ukrainians and hints at future military action in the Sumy region, sent shockwaves through Kyiv and the international community. As the war grinds on, Putin’s statement may mark a turning point—not only in rhetoric, but in Russia’s readiness to expand the conflict further and challenge the very foundation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
🎯 Key Highlights
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“Where the foot of a Russian soldier steps” is “ours,” Putin said—implying any area controlled by Moscow could be annexed.
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He specifically warned that Russian forces may push deeper into Ukraine to create a strategic buffer zone—mentioning Sumy, near the border, as a likely next target .
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Putin reaffirmed indifference to Ukraine’s 1991 sovereignty declaration, alleging that Kyiv abandoned neutrality by seeking closer ties with NATO.
📣 Reactions From Kyiv & the West
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Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded sharply, calling Putin’s remarks “deranged” and a sign of disregard for global peace efforts.
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President Zelenskyy branded the statement “cynical,” accusing Russia of using empty threats while preparing further territorial gains.
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Western analysts say the speech reveals Moscow’s desire for complete dominance and its disdain for diplomatic frameworks.
Implications
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Escalation of Territorial Ambitions
Putin’s claim that all of Ukraine belongs to Russia signals intent to move beyond occupied areas and potentially annex or invade additional regions like Sumy. -
Collapse of Peace Prospects
The statement undermines any remaining hope for diplomatic resolution, as it reaffirms Russia’s goal of full domination rather than compromise. -
Heightened Military Alert in Ukraine
Ukrainian forces will likely reinforce northern regions, especially near Sumy, to prepare for possible new offensives stemming from Putin’s threat. -
Increased NATO and EU Pressure
Western governments may respond by expanding military aid, surveillance, and sanctions to deter further Russian advances and reassure eastern European allies. -
Regional Destabilization
Putin’s remarks may alarm bordering nations like Moldova and the Baltics, reinforcing fears of a broader Kremlin strategy aimed at restoring Soviet-era influence. -
Propaganda Reinforcement at Home
Internally, the statement strengthens nationalist sentiment and frames the war as a historic reunification, consolidating domestic support despite mounting casualties.
💬 Overall Takeaway:
Vladimir Putin’s sweeping claim that “all of Ukraine is ours” is more than a bold statement—it’s a dangerous declaration of imperial intent that deepens the divide between Russia and the rest of the world. By rejecting Ukraine’s sovereignty outright and hinting at further military advances, including the potential seizure of Sumy, Putin has reaffirmed that his goals extend far beyond eastern Ukraine or defensive posturing. This rhetoric erases the thin line between occupation and attempted conquest, signaling a future defined not by negotiations but by continued bloodshed and destabilization.
For Ukraine and its allies, this moment clarifies the stakes: the war is not just about territory, but the survival of national identity and the rules-based international order. As the conflict enters this more ominous phase, the world must confront a reality where diplomacy is retreating and deterrence is once again becoming the language of statecraft.
