Putin declares Ukraine war a “matter of life and death” for Russia
President Vladimir Putin emphasized the gravity of events on the Ukrainian battlefield, stating that they hold the key to Russia’s fate.
In an interview with state TV, Putin framed the conflict as crucial for Russia’s survival, aiming to evoke patriotic sentiment among a populace that has shown varying degrees of apathy towards the offensive.
“I think it is still important for us ourselves, and even more so for our listeners and viewers abroad, to understand our way of thinking,” Putin said in an interview with state TV.
“Everything that is happening on the Ukraine front: For them, it is an improvement of their tactical position, but for us it is our fate, it is a matter of life and death,” he said.
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In that interview, Putin talked at length about Russian history and continuously questioned Ukraine’s statehood, drawing ire in both Kyiv and the West.
“For the Western listener, the viewer, it was not easy. Even more so for Americans,” Putin said when asked about his long, historical musings in the Carlson interview.
“The history of the United States is 300-odd years, and I started in 862. So I think it was not easy for American audiences to understand,” he said.
