Putin Claims Ukraine, Warns of Global Conflict

At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared 'the whole of Ukraine is ours,' reinforcing his view that Russians and Ukrainians are 'one people' while warning of catastrophic consequences if Ukraine uses a 'dirty bomb.' He claimed Russia has a right to any territory where its soldiers are present, escalating tensions with Kyiv and Western nations. Putin also voiced concerns over the risk of World War III, pointing to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran and attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. He called for peaceful solutions but sharply criticized NATO expansion and Western influence, suggesting a shift in global power dynamics. Ukrainian officials condemned his remarks as evidence of Moscow's territorial ambitions and disregard for peace. Putin noted ongoing contacts with leaders from Iran, Israel, and the US, warning that actions such as regime change in Iran could have dire global consequences.