Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Ukraine is at risk of losing its statehood if the country’s leaders and citizens continue to resist his invasion.
“Those from today’s leadership should understand that if they continue doing what they are doing, they call into question the future of Ukrainian statehood,” Putin said in a meeting on Saturday according to the New York Times. “And if it happens it will be wholly and fully on their conscience.”
Putin also denied that Russian conscripts are involved in the fighting despite reports saying that is the case.
“Only professional military servicemen take part in this operation, officers and contract soldiers,” Putin claimed. “Not a single conscript takes part in it, and we don’t plan to send them there.”
The free world has condemned Putin’s invasion of Ukraine which is now in its 10th day. Russian has grown increasing isolated amid global sanctions leveled against the country for the unprovoked invasion of a sovereign state.
