The ISW reports that Russia denies Ukraine's sovereignty and aims for further annexation.

The Russian Federation denies Ukraine's sovereignty and seeks further annexation – ISW

The Russian Federation consistently denies Ukraine's sovereignty.

This is stated in a report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Specifically, Vladimir Putin's associate and former head of the banned Opposition Platform – For Life party, Viktor Medvedchuk, has openly called for the annexation of Ukraine.

"Medvedchuk published an article urging Russia to reclaim its 'historical lands.' The article includes a map that marks all Ukrainian territories east of the Lviv, Ternopil, and Chernivtsi regions as part of 'historical Russia.' He insists that modern Ukraine lacks historical legitimacy and that its independence is a 'historical mistake,'” the recent report states.

Experts believe that Medvedchuk's statements reflect Putin's strategic policy of denying Ukraine's sovereignty.

"Medvedchuk's rhetoric, as a representative of the Russian elite closely linked to Putin, demonstrates the Kremlin's systemic unwillingness to negotiate with Ukraine and the West, along with its principled refusal to recognize the legitimacy of the Ukrainian state and government," analysts added.