Russia emphasizes the need for further annexation of Ukraine – ISW.

According to the Institute for the Study of War, Vladimir Putin's godson and former head of 'OPZZH' Viktor Medvedchuk called for the annexation of Ukraine. He urged Russia to 'return its historical lands' and marked on the map the Ukrainian territories he considers part of 'historical Russia'.

Medvedchuk believes that modern Ukraine has no legitimacy and its independence is a 'historical mistake'. He demands the integration of these lands into Russia and claims that the West aims to destroy Russia from within. He referred to Ukrainians as 'modern barbarians' who need to be 'saved'.

The Institute believes that Medvedchuk's statements reflect the Kremlin's policy aimed at rejecting Ukraine's sovereignty. The Kremlin refuses to negotiate with Ukraine and the West and refuses to recognize the legitimacy of the Ukrainian state and government.