Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The map from the Russian Defence Ministry has sparked a lot of questions.
The map from the Russian Defence Ministry has sparked a lot of questions.
What is happening?
A recently surfaced image from a Russian military briefing has exposed what appears to be Vladimir Putin’s expanded territorial ambitions in Ukraine.
Displayed behind top Russian generals, the map shows not just the four regions already claimed by the Kremlin, but two more that have not been officially discussed.
From four claimed regions to six
Since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has claimed Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
However, according to experts, the new map includes Mykolaiv and Odesa — regions currently under Ukrainian control and not formally annexed by Russia.
A broader military goal
Wall Street Journal’s chief foreign affairs correspondent, Yaroslav Trofimov, noted that the map likely reflects Russia’s broader military ambitions — potentially covering up to half of Ukraine.
This includes major cities like Kharkiv and Odesa, far beyond the Donbas region alone.
Putin’s longstanding interest in Odesa
Putin has repeatedly referred to Odesa as a “Russian city,” indicating a long-standing desire to bring it under Kremlin control.
The map’s inclusion of Odesa suggests those ambitions remain active.
A shifting diplomatic front with Trump
During an August meeting in Alaska, Putin reportedly proposed a “frozen” frontline — but only if Ukraine surrendered the entire Donbas region.
Despite this, the map hints that Russia’s true goals may stretch much further than Putin publicly admits.
Claims of ‘mutual understanding’ with Trump
Putin claimed that under Trump’s leadership, the U.S. is more open to Moscow’s justifications for the war.
“Now we see this mutual understanding, it’s noticeable,” Putin said during a meeting with Slovakia’s president, Robert Fico.
Biden ignored us, days Putin
In contrast, Putin criticized former President Joe Biden for allegedly ignoring Russia’s viewpoint.
This shift in tone may be aimed at influencing Western political dynamics as global powers continue to shape their Ukraine strategies.
Trump’s warning of ‘severe consequences’
Despite the supposed “understanding,” Trump has warned Moscow of “severe consequences” if Russia continues to sidestep U.S.-led peace efforts.
His administration remains frustrated with Putin’s perceived lack of genuine engagement.
Putin softens tone on EU, but NATO’s still a no
While reaffirming opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, Putin claimed he’s not against Ukraine joining the European Union.
That’s a notable shift from last week’s hardline stance, where the Russian foreign ministry demanded Ukraine’s total demilitarization and neutrality.
