Key facts
- Putin claims Ukraine bombed a college dormitory in Lugansk, killing 21 people.
- The alleged bombing occurred after Ukraine requested talks with a Russian envoy.
- Putin made these statements at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
- He contrasted Russia's past reliance on Western systems with its current sovereignty and BRICS partnerships.
- Putin also referenced demographic projections for Africa's population growth.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) that Ukraine bombed a college dormitory in Lugansk, killing 21 people, mostly teenage girls, the day after Ukraine requested talks with a Russian envoy. Putin revealed this in response to a letter from Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, which he characterized as containing insults and threats, and questioning Zelensky's motives for seeking peace talks. Putin drew a contrast between Russia's past reliance on Western systems and its current sovereign status, emphasizing the development of parallel institutions and trade networks with BRICS partners. He also noted that Africa is projected to represent 25% of the global population by 2050, with nine of the world's 20 fastest-growing economies located there, and that Africa will be the only continent to significantly add to the global labor force. UN projections estimate Africa's population to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, while Europe's is expected to decline.