Russian rhetoric intensifies: Ukraine's fate in balance

Much of the information provided by Russian media or government representatives is part of propaganda. These reports are elements of the information war being waged by the Russian Federation.

Nikolai Patrushev, advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview with "Komsomolskaya Pravda," said that the objectives of the "special military operation" (as the war in Ukraine is referred to in Russia - editor's note) have not changed. "They have been repeatedly stated by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin," the official stated.

Putin's advisor emphasized that the Russian Federation is not indifferent to what is happening in Ukraine, and "the Ukrainian people remain close and brotherly to us, connected by centuries-old ties with Russia," despite how much "the crazed Kiev propagandists, obsessed with 'Ukrainianism,' claim to the contrary."

"We are particularly concerned that the violent imposition of neo-Nazi ideology and rampant Russophobia are destroying Ukraine’s once-thriving cities, including Kharkov, Odessa, Nikolaev, and Dnipro," continued Putin's advisor. "It is possible that, in the coming year, Ukraine may cease to exist altogether," he added.

Patrushev emphasized that negotiations regarding Ukraine should be conducted exclusively between Russia and the United States.

"If we talk about the specific prospects for the further development of events considering the Trump factor, we respect his statements," he noted. Therefore, he believes that "negotiations regarding Ukraine should be conducted between Russia and the USA without the involvement of other Western countries."

Meanwhile, an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mykhailo Podolyak, believes that future US President Donald Trump will need a hundred days to engage in negotiations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, rather than to end the war.

Patrushev also expressed criticism of the Baltic states and Moldova, emphasizing that the most important priority for the Kremlin is the protection and well-being of Russian citizens worldwide. "If we talk about the international aspect of Russia’s global interests, discrimination against the Russian population in a whole range of countries, and, of course, in the Baltic states and Moldova, must stop," said Patrushev.

Patrushev also criticized the European Union, claiming that EU leaders cannot speak on behalf of many of their members, such as Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, or Romania. According to him, these countries are interested in stability in Europe and have a balanced stance toward Russia.