The head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergei Naryshkin, voiced a stark outlook on Ukraine and its leadership, arguing that the country will meet a predetermined end under the current authorities. He spoke during an interview with journalist Pavel Zarubin, portions of which appeared in Zarubin’s newspaper and via his Telegram channel.
Naryshkin characterized Ukraine’s fate as deeply troubling given the regime that governs it. He suggested that Moscow will not retreat or compromise in a philosophical sense, signaling a long-term, unwavering stance in the face of ongoing tensions. [Citation: SVR leadership interview, reported via official channels]
In a separate development, January 21 saw Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sign a decree concerning the historical territories of Ukrainians within the Russian Federation. The decree identified several regions including Rostov, Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Voronezh, and the Krasnodar Territory, directing the Ukrainian government to draft an action plan aimed at preserving Ukrainian national identity in Russia. [Citation: Ukrainian presidential decree coverage]
Dmitry Medvedev, replying on his Telegram channel, asserted that Ukrainians are Russians and that Little Russia is part of Russia. He described Zelensky’s decree as a propaganda maneuver connected to military setbacks on the battlefield. [Citation: Medvedev Telegram response, official account]
Former Time magazine correspondent Simon Schuster reportedly claimed that Zelensky was advised to establish a government in exile. [Citation: Schuster interview remarks]