Russia aims to dominate Ukraine and expand influence

A former advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russia aims to defeat Ukraine and expand its influence. Vladislav Surkov made these statements in an interview, stating that the goal is to "crush" Ukraine militarily and diplomatically. He described Ukraine as an "artificial quasi-state" that needs to be divided. Surkov noted that Russia's objective has been consistent since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. He explained that Ukraine comprises at least three regions: the Russian-dominated south and east, the mixed central area, and the anti-Russian west. He suggested that Ukraine may survive as a smaller state in the future, potentially influenced by Europe. Surkov also suggested that Russia does not recognize borders in the traditional sense, stating that it exists "everywhere there is Russian influence." He mentioned that Russia will continue to expand in various directions. His remarks echo earlier statements from Kremlin officials about restoring Russian control over Ukraine and its neighbors. The Institute for the Study of War highlighted the contradiction between Surkov's claims and comments from former U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who believes Russia has no territorial ambitions beyond certain blocked regions. In response to these developments, UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer warned that there would be "severe consequences" for any breaches of a ceasefire. This comes as discussions are ongoing about military plans for a potential peace deal in Ukraine. However, Witkoff has criticized plans for an international force to support a ceasefire as nothing more than "a posture and a pose."