Putin claims genetic unity of Russians and Ukrainians

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russians and Ukrainians are one people, citing “the latest genetic research.”

He made the remarks during a conversation with journalists.

“The latest genetic research has shown that Russians and Ukrainians are one people,” the Russian president said.

Putin also touched on the territorial question, stating that the lands lost by Kyiv are not “their territory” but “historically exist as lands of Russia.”

“It is inappropriate for Kyiv to speak of any territorial losses. The residents of Donbas and Novorossiya voted to reunite with Russia,” Putin said.

In addition, the Russian president added that “Russia is ready even now to negotiate and seek solutions to the Ukrainian conflict.”

The outlet previously reported that more than 40% of Ukrainians agreed with the thesis that Ukrainians and Russians are one people. However, that poll was conducted before the start of the full-scale invasion. After that, unknown individuals began putting up banners across southern Ukraine bearing the phrase “Yes, we are one people.”