Putin Affirms Arctic as Russian Territory, Warns of Kaliningrad Defense

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the Arctic is a legitimate part of Russian territory and emphasized the commitment to secure the Kaliningrad region against any threats. Speaking to military sailors in St. Petersburg on Navy Day, Putin asserted that Russia possesses the world’s largest icebreaker fleet, including nuclear-powered vessels, underscoring its dominance in the Arctic. He further commented on the historical context of Western Ukraine, suggesting that lands gifted by Stalin after World War II might eventually return to their historical owners, including Poland, Hungary, and Romania, while positioning Russia as the sole guarantor of Ukraine’s territorial integrity until Ukraine declared Russia an enemy. Putin maintained that Russia is not initiating wars but reacting to actions taken by Ukraine with Western support.