Putin does not rule out formally annexing occupied territories
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on October 1 that domestic Russian issues remain his priority, but added that the matter of occupied territories will also be addressed. He did not rule out that these territories could be formally incorporated into Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on October 1 on both Russia's domestic affairs and the status of occupied Ukrainian territories.
Putin stated that his main focus at present is on internal Russian issues, but added that the question of the occupied territories would not be neglected and would also be addressed.
One of the notable points in his remarks was that the Kremlin leader did not deny the possibility that these territories could be formally incorporated into the Russian Federation. This suggests that Moscow has not abandoned its aim of consolidating official control over the occupied Ukrainian regions.
The statement comes as the war in Ukraine continues into its multiple years, with Russia having already declared several Ukrainian regions as its own territory, a move largely unrecognized by the international community.
Putin did not provide further details on what specific steps Russia plans to take regarding the occupied territories or within what timeframe.
