“The current leadership needs to understand that if they continue doing what they are doing, they risk the future of Ukrainian statehood,” Putin said in Moscow, according to The New York Times. “If that happens, they will have to be blamed for that.”

The statement comes amidst Putin tightening state control over information. It is unclear how much information the Russian people are receiving about the war.

During Putin’s meeting, he also likened Western-imposed sanctions as actions “akin to a declaration of war.” The statement marks an escalation in rhetoric.

Source: Putin: Ukraine May Lose Statehood ‘If They Continue Doing What They Are Doing’ | Newsmax.com