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Putin's war for the history books: Dmytro Kuleba speaks to France 24

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 03/10/2026, 18:53:24 UTC.

Briefings

Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba claims Putin's war aims to secure his legacy as the third 'Great' in history, citing the Bronze Horseman statue in St. Petersburg as a symbol of imperial ambition. The evidence indicates the statue was originally commissioned by Catherine the Great to honor Peter the Great, with a dedication to the first two figures, leaving room for a third. Kuleba's statement suggests Putin seeks historical recognition similar to Peter the Great's founding role, though the specific timeline and causal link between the statue and the war remain unproven.

Key points

• Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated Putin only cares about what will be written about him in history books.
• The Bronze Horseman statue in St. Petersburg was originally commissioned by Catherine the Great to honor Peter the Great, with a dedication to the first two figures, leaving room for a third.

Context and limitations

Evidence is limited to Kuleba's quote and historical context about the statue's original dedication; no direct evidence links the statue to the war or confirms Putin's specific ambition.

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