Putin Reaffirms Ukraine Ambitions as Europe Boosts Military Aid

Putin Reaffirms Ukraine Ambitions as Europe Boosts Military Aid

Russian President Vladimir Putin has openly confirmed that he still aims to take control of all of Ukraine, stating at the Saint Petersburg Economic Forum on June 20 that "all of Ukraine is ours" and referencing an old Russian saying: "wherever a Russian soldier steps, it is ours." Ukrainian officials and Western leaders condemned the remarks, with Ukraine’s foreign minister accusing Russia of bringing only "death and destruction."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by warning that Putin's ambitions extend beyond Ukraine to Belarus, the Baltic states, Moldova, the Caucasus, and Kazakhstan. German military officials echoed the concern, describing Russia as an "existential threat" and warning of Kremlin preparations for a major conflict with NATO by decade’s end.

In response, Germany and other European NATO members have agreed to raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035. Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged past mistakes in underestimating Russia and said Europe must now confront the long-term threat. The increase in European aid has helped offset delays in US military assistance under the Trump administration.

Ukraine, currently battling around 695,000 Russian troops, faces continuous assaults. Russia launched roughly 200 attacks daily in the past week, including a push towards the northeastern city of Sumy. Meanwhile, Russia has intensified air strikes on Ukrainian cities. On June 19, a missile strike on a Kyiv apartment block killed 23 civilians. Overnight drone strikes targeted Odesa and Kharkiv, with damage including a partial building collapse that injured rescue workers.

While  President Trump has previously shown admiration for Putin, he now says the Russian leader appears “misguided” and urged an end to the war. However, US military support remains uncertain, despite talks between Trump and Zelenskyy over Patriot air defense systems.

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