Kremlin Reports Many in Ukraine's Odesa, Mykolaiv Seek Russian Linkage

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that many residents in Ukraine's southern regions of Odesa and Mykolaiv wish to "link their fate to Russia," but fear expressing this openly, though no evidence was provided to support this claim. This statement followed Russia's 2022 declaration of four Ukrainian regions as Russian territory after referendums widely condemned by Kyiv and Western nations as illegal and coercive. Peskov suggested that European countries should prioritize dialogue with Russia over defensive measures like building a "drone wall" to address security concerns. The Kremlin's remarks have heightened concerns in Ukraine amid ongoing military actions and the war's toll on civilians. Additionally, the Kremlin expressed support for President Trump's peace plan for Gaza, hoping it will help resolve the Middle East conflict sparked by the 2023 Hamas attack. These developments underscore Moscow's continued geopolitical ambitions and its call for diplomatic engagement rather than military escalation.