The Kremlin’s Persistent Agenda to Destroy Ukrainian Statehood and Subjugate the Ukrainian People: An In-Depth Regional Analysis
The overt and resolute statements made by Kremlin officials continue to reveal Moscow’s unwavering and uncompromising objective: the complete destruction of Ukraine’s independence. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) recently highlighted that Russia persistently claims territories beyond those already occupied, aiming not just for control but ultimate annexation and subjugation of the Ukrainian nation. These intentions are exemplified by high-level meetings, such as the one held by Vladimir Putin on June 30, concerning the development of the occupied regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. During this meeting, Putin referred to these territories as “Donbas and Novorossiya,” emphasizing their integral integration into Russia’s geopolitical space. Simultaneously, Kremlin propagandists continue to deny Ukraine’s independence by asserting historical and cultural ties, claiming that the city of Odessa has a connection to Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded to Odessa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov’s remarks about the city’s unique history and non-Russian identity by stating that Odessa’s history is “inextricably linked” to Russia. Furthermore, Putin’s advisor, Vladimir Medinsky, reiterated the Kremlin’s narrative of Russians and Ukrainians being “one people,” emphasizing that ancient Rus’ territories, including Novorossiya and Crimea, constitute Russia’s “historic homeland.” These narratives culminated in Putin’s direct declaration at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 20, where he unequivocally stated that “Ukraine belongs to Russia,” intensifying signals of intentions to annex even more Ukrainian territories. These official messages align with the evident territorial ambitions of Moscow: in April 2025, the so-called “governor” of occupied Kherson, Vladimir Saldo, called for the occupation of regions on both sides of the Dnipro River in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. According to Ukrainian officials such as Colonel Pavlo Palisa from the Office of the President, Russia’s plan is to occupy the entire eastern bank of the Dnipro and seize Odesa by the end of 2026. These persistent statements and actions make it clear that Moscow’s ultimate goal remains the obliteration of Ukraine’s sovereignty, cultural independence, and statehood through relentless diplomatic, military, and territorial expansion efforts.