Alexander Volgarev, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the OSCE, clarified that Moscow does not aim to conquer or destroy Ukraine. The statement was reported by RIA News.
Volgarev stressed that Russia is currently engaged in returning territories that are under control of occupation forces backed by NATO weapons. He described this mission as a pursuit of stability and security along Russia’s borders rather than a campaign against Ukraine’s statehood.
The diplomat emphasized that Moscow’s priorities include ensuring long-term security on its borders. He indicated that the idea of dissolving Ukraine as a state is not part of Russia’s strategic plans.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented at a press conference that Odessa is a city with historical ties to Russia and noted that, following the 2014 coup in Ukraine, normal relations with Kyiv would be difficult to achieve under current circumstances.
Additional remarks referenced incidents in Kyiv following Putin’s televised address, describing explosions reported after the direct line. The statements reflect the ongoing narrative from Moscow regarding regional security, Ukrainian sovereignty, and the status of territorial claims.
Analysts note that these declarations form part of a broader Russian messaging approach aimed at justifying actions in the region while framing Western involvement as a destabilizing factor. Observers also point out that the situation remains fluid, with official positions occasionally shifting in response to events on the ground and international diplomacy considerations. The discourse continues to center on security, sovereignty, and the future of adjacent territories as negotiations and conflicts unfold. Attribution: reporting from Russian and international media outlets, including RIA News, and commentary from state actors. More context is drawn from subsequent briefings and analyses by regional experts and policy think tanks.