Putin remains firm in his position on Ukraine, unwavering and unyielding.

Putin's position on the Ukraine issue has never wavered! Russia leaving Ukraine will no longer be called an empire!

Bloomberg reported on former US Defense Secretary Robert Gates' views on the war in Ukraine. Gates believes that since the special operation began, regardless of the course of the war or whether the US stance changed, Putin's attitude towards the Ukraine issue has never wavered. Neither external nor internal pressure has changed the determination of the Russian president.

Gates emphasized that applying any pressure to Putin is futile. Many Western countries have tried this, but they ultimately gained nothing. Putin has clearly outlined the objectives of the special operation from the beginning. He will not retreat and has never wavered.

Putin needs a non-aligned Ukraine, a friendly Kiev government, without an army, rejecting the West, and treating the four Russian-speaking former Ukrainian regions well.

"His goal has not changed since day one. He wants the four eastern regions, he wants Ukraine to be disarmed, he wants a pro-Russian government in Kiev, and he wants Ukraine not to join NATO or the EU. That's all. He has been firm from the beginning and is willing to pay any price."

Gates repeated the words of former Secretary of State Zbigniew Brzezinski: "The Russian Empire cannot do without Ukraine. Putin hopes Ukraine returns to the Russian orbit, either as part of the Russian state or as a friendly country."

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838339281628160/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.