The Kremlin leader spoke during an open lecture series in Kaliningrad, clarifying that the stated aim of the military operation is to remove what he described as an anti-Russian enclave formed within Ukraine. This framing positions the mission as a defense of Russia against perceived threats arising from the post-2014 political changes in Ukraine. [CITATION: Kremlin press service]
He argued that, in his view, the public perception of Russian aggression is widespread, yet he claimed that many people do not grasp the consequences of the 2014 coup in Ukraine. According to him, the communities of Donetsk and Luhansk, along with a large portion of Crimea, did not want the outcomes of that upheaval, and he described their situation as having led to a prolonged conflict that had already been sustained for eight years. He characterized this as a serious matter with clear implications for regional security. [CITATION: Kremlin press service]
Putin emphasized a duty among Russian soldiers and Donbass militias to halt the fighting and protect the populations involved, while also underscoring the objective of safeguarding the Russian Federation itself, given the claim that an anti-Russian zone was being built on Ukrainian territory. He framed the military actions as a protective measure for Russian interests and for people he described as living within a shared cultural and linguistic space connected to the broader Russian world. [CITATION: Kremlin press service]
The president noted that those serving in the armed forces faced personal risk and, tragically, some had lost their lives. He highlighted the need for those who sacrifice to understand the purpose behind their service, which he described as crucial for people in Russia and Donbass. [CITATION: Kremlin press service]
During the remarks, he recalled the sense among residents of Donbass that they belong to a common space in history and culture with Russia, reinforcing the narrative of shared identity that informs his policy positions. [CITATION: Kremlin press service]
Education and historical narratives
Putin remarked that schoolchildren in Ukrainian-controlled areas, where Russian forces currently operate, often lack awareness of a shared historical narrative between Russia and its states. He noted that some students reportedly viewed the Crimean Bridge as a fabrication, a claim he attributed to information relayed by the education minister during visits to Donetsk and other regions. [CITATION: Kremlin press service]
He apologized for the momentary default in speech and reiterated his claim that many students did not know about the existence of the Crimean Bridge. He added that some were unaware that Ukraine and Russia had previously been part of the same state, the Soviet Union. [CITATION: Kremlin press service]
Historical perspectives on Ukraine
In conversations with students, the head of state offered a brief historical overview, asserting that Ukraine did not exist as a state before the Soviet era. He described Ukraine as a collection of semi-states formed after the 1917 revolution and argued that a later process during the Soviet period resulted in the emergence of a Ukrainian state. He contended that the Soviet Union’s redistribution of lands, including Donbass, into a Ukrainian framework did not reflect the wishes of many residents of Donbass. [CITATION: Kremlin press service]
Further, he stated that Luhansk and Donetsk were destined to be part of Russia, referencing a historical pivot point during Lenin’s era and suggesting that subsequent decisions shaped the evolution of Ukraine. He claimed that some historical reassessments were made but remained largely unknown to many. [CITATION: Kremlin press service]
Principles of success and personal discipline
During the open lecture, Putin shared thoughts on success and the value of hard work. He described success as requiring organization, a broad approach to problems, and a balance among various factors, noting that discipline matters but should not narrow one’s worldview. He argued that motivation, responsibility, and creative problem solving are essential components, with sustained effort being a distinct talent rather than mere willpower. [CITATION: Kremlin press service]
He asserted that achieving goals demands the ability to push oneself to work efficiently, framing hard work as a practical skill rather than a theoretical ideal. [CITATION: Kremlin press service]
Towards the end of his remarks, Putin expressed satisfaction with the direction of his life and the importance of self-discovery, offering a personal wish that others might find their own path as well. The Kaliningrad visit was part of a series titled “Talk About the Important,” intended to kick off the school week with themes of patriotism and civic education. [CITATION: Kremlin press service]
The event served as a platform for the president to engage with students in a public setting, reinforcing a narrative of national unity, historical continuity, and the perceived protective role of the state in the region. [CITATION: Kremlin press service]