Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday described the war situation in Ukraine as a matter of “life and death” for Russia that could indicate its destiny.
“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, speaking on 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.
Putin’s remarks come following an interview with American TV personality Tucker Carlson, which the Kremlin used to promote its position on the Ukraine war.
The president gave a lengthy talk on Russian history and called the issue of Ukraine’s statehood into question a number of times.
“For the Western listener, the viewer, it was not easy. Even more so for Americans,” Putin said, speaking on the Carlson interview.
The Kremlin has depicted the two-year war in Ukraine as a fight for the survival of Russia in an attempt to draw support among its citizens.
