Putin: The Entire Black Sea Coast Became Russian After The Russo-Turkish Wars

"The entire Black Sea coast became Russian after the Russo-Turkish Wars". This was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the beginning of his annual press conference, where he answers selected questions from citizens and journalists.

At the outset, Putin announced that Russia's sovereignty was under threat and that "the very existence of our country without sovereignty is impossible. The whole country cannot exist without sovereignty."

TV host Pavel Zarubin asked a follow-up question: "When will there be peace?"

"There will be peace in Ukraine only when we achieve our goals. They remain unchanged. Denazification of Ukraine, demilitarization of Ukraine"

The comment marked a return of sorts to Putin's rhetoric since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, before the so-called second phase of the "special military operation" launched in late March when Russia accepted that it could not occupy all of Ukraine and focuses on its eastern part. With the disappointing performance of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, Putin appears to be showing that Russia is still aiming for a complete capitulation of Kyiv.

Putin was also asked if there would be a new round of mobilization in Russia. He assured that the country has enough regular soldiers and volunteers.

"Why do we need mobilization? There is no need for mobilization today."

Putin has assured that Western military aid to Ukraine is drying up and that it will soon run out of foreign weapons to resist Russian pressure.

"Ukraine produces almost nothing, everything comes from the West, but the free stuff will run out someday, and it looks like it's already happening."

As for relations with Europe and the...