Khmara: Russia seeks all of Ukraine, making the war existential

Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara stated on Aug. 30 that Russia's ambitions extend beyond the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, aiming to seize all of Ukraine. During a meeting with journalists, Khmara emphasized that the war for Ukraine is "existential." He attributed Russia's aggressive stance to President Vladimir Putin's desire to expand his empire, with Putin's objective being the destruction of Ukrainian statehood and the incorporation of Ukrainian territory into Russia.

Khmara warned that any concessions by Ukraine would be viewed by Putin as proof that aggression works, rather than as a step towards peace. The defense minister further revealed that Russia plans to mobilize an additional 300,000 troops this year and the same number in 2027. Khmara emphasized that only a recognition of Russia's potential defeat can halt Putin's war efforts, and that effective use of force is necessary to achieve this outcome.