Events on the battlefields of Ukraine are a “life-or-death matter” that could decide the fate of Russia, President Vladimir Putin said in a speech broadcast Sunday.
The Kremlin has repeatedly portrayed the nearly two-year conflict as a battle for Russia’s survival, aiming to stir up patriotism among the country’s population, many of whom are uninterested in attacks.
“I think it is important for ourselves, and even more important for listeners and viewers abroad, to understand our way of thinking,” Putin said in an interview on state television.
“Everything that is happening on the Ukrainian front is an improvement in their tactical position, but for us it is a matter of fate and life and death,” he said.
Putin was responding to questions about a two-hour interview with American talk show host Tucker Carlson that the Kremlin used to promote a narrative about the conflict.
In that interview, Putin spoke at length about Russia’s history and continued to question Ukraine’s statehood, angering Kiev and the West.
“For Western listeners, viewers, it wasn’t easy. Even more so for Americans,” Putin said in Carlson’s interview when asked about his long historical musings.
“The history of the United States is over 300 years, and I started in 862. So I think it was not easy for American audiences to understand,” he said.