Fact Check: Putin insists Russians and Ukrainians are 'one people', justifying the war.

Fact Check: "Putin insists Russians and Ukrainians are 'one people', justifying the war."

What We Know

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly asserted that Russians and Ukrainians are "one people." This claim is notably detailed in his essay titled On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians, published in July 2021. In this essay, Putin argues that Ukrainians and Russians, along with Belarusians, share a common heritage and destiny, which he uses to justify Russia's military actions against Ukraine (source-1, source-2). He contends that Ukraine has never been a separate nation and that its identity is intrinsically linked to Russia.

In a June 2025 statement, Putin reiterated this viewpoint, suggesting that the entire territory of Ukraine is historically Russian and that the two nations should integrate (source-3, source-4). This rhetoric has been a consistent theme in his public speeches and writings, framing the conflict as a defense of a shared identity.

Analysis

Putin's claims about the unity of Russians and Ukrainians are rooted in historical narratives that have been widely challenged by historians. For instance, Matthew Lenoe, a historian specializing in Russian and Soviet history, emphasizes that while there are historical connections between the two nations, the assertion that they are "one people" oversimplifies a complex history. He notes that Ukraine has its own distinct national identity that has evolved over centuries, particularly following the traumas of the 20th century (source-1).

Moreover, the idea of a singular Russian-Ukrainian identity is critiqued as a political tool used by Putin to legitimize aggression. Historical evidence shows that both nations have been shaped by diverse influences and experiences, and the modern Ukrainian state emerged only in the early 20th century (source-1). The claim that Ukraine is merely a part of Russia is seen as a narrative that disregards the aspirations of the Ukrainian people for independence and self-determination.

The sources supporting Putin's claims, including his own writings, are often criticized for lacking scholarly rigor and being politically motivated. The essay itself has been described as part of a broader strategy to justify military interventions by framing them as protective actions for a supposedly unified people (source-2).

Conclusion

The claim that "Putin insists Russians and Ukrainians are 'one people', justifying the war" is True. Putin has consistently articulated this viewpoint as a justification for his actions in Ukraine, framing the conflict in terms of a shared identity. However, this assertion is heavily contested by historians and scholars who argue that it oversimplifies a complex historical relationship and ignores the distinct national identity of Ukraine. The use of this narrative serves to legitimize aggression and undermine Ukraine's sovereignty.

Fact Check: Putin insists Russians and Ukrainians are 'one people', justifying the war.