The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation has issued a harsh statement, emphasizing its unwavering position regarding Ukraine’s territorial integrity
On Tuesday, May 1, Moscow once again categorically declared that it will not allow any attempts to restore Ukrainian borders within the boundaries established in 1991, which serves as another signal to the international community of its intention to maintain control over the current territories of Ukraine, including Crimea. The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that any attempts by Ukraine to regain control over its eastern and southern regions, as well as to return occupied Crimea, are unacceptable and contrary to Russian security interests. An official spokesperson of the department additionally emphasized that Moscow will never permit "scenarios that lead to the destruction of everything Russian in the region," hinting at the possible use of force or other measures to prevent tragic scenarios. The released statement contained significant accusations against Ukraine and Western countries, daily accusing them of purported "barbaric intentions" and a desire to destroy everything Russian in the region. Specifically, the document claims that the Kyiv regime and its Western patrons are deliberately aiming to "restore Ukraine within the borders of 1991," which, according to Russian officials, supposedly serves the barbaric instinct of destroying everything Russian. "Clearly, behind these vain and unfounded claims of Kyiv and its Western partners lies a barbaric instinct to destroy everything connected to Russia. Russia, on its part, categorically states that it will not allow such a scenario and will do everything to protect its interests and security," the statement reads. This rhetoric from the Kremlin continues in political circles, which constantly emphasize their unwavering readiness to oppose any attempts to regain control over temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014 and still under its sphere of influence. Official Moscow hints that any return of Ukraine to its 1991 borders is impossible without serious consequences. It is worth noting that this diplomatic conflict unfolds amid new statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. On April 22, he emphasized that Ukraine does not recognize Russian occupation of Crimea, considering it the only legitimate Ukrainian territory. This triggered a sharp response from the United States and other Western countries, including former President Donald Trump, who sharply criticized this position. In an interview with *Time* magazine, Trump stated that Crimea was lost many years ago and added that Zelensky's words harm the peace negotiations process. The American politician once again expressed his view on the reasons behind Russia's military aggression, emphasizing that one of the main reasons is Ukraine's desire to join NATO, which Moscow considers a clear threat to its security. Trump additionally hinted that Russia's plans include not only deterring Ukraine but also accelerating the return of Crimea under its control, recognizing it as "lost for Ukraine." In response, Ukrainian officials, including President Zelensky, confirmed that Ukraine currently lacks sufficient weapons to regain control over Crimea. At the same time, he emphasized that various forms of international pressure on Russia, including economic sanctions and diplomatic efforts, could help resolve the issue of Ukraine's territorial integrity. Overall, this topic remains one of the most sensitive issues in contemporary international politics, as the question of returning occupied territories and ensuring peace and security continues to be the greatest challenge for the global community. The relentless debate over Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the strained interstate relations lay the groundwork for future complex and lengthy negotiations and strategic decisions.