Putin Says Territories Lost by Kyiv Are Historically Russian Lands
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the territories currently controlled by Russia but previously held by Kyiv should not be considered Ukrainian territory, describing them instead as historically Russian lands.
Putin’s remarks come amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and Moscow’s continued claims over several Ukrainian regions.
Kyiv strongly rejects Russia’s territorial claims and maintains that the occupied territories are sovereign Ukrainian land under international law.
The statement is likely to further intensify debate over territorial control, sovereignty and the prospects for a future peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.