"Putin's puzzle is to return to what has already collapsed. The stronger and more independent former Soviet states are, the more difficult that will be."

Operativ Media reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote this on his Telegram channel.

"The key to this puzzle is Ukraine. He wants to divide us. If he achieved that, dealing with other post-Soviet countries would be much easier—with all due respect to every nation. Everyone understands this and deeply values Ukraine's contribution, which is protecting the independence of other countries at the cost of human lives.

We must build strong relations with an independent Azerbaijan. We support sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, for the first time in a long while, we restored relations with Armenia this year. This will help.

Ukraine's standing today in the former Soviet region serves as a shield for those nations' independence. For instance, I was invited to Moldova's Independence Day. Maintaining these relationships is crucial for us, and I am proud that we have built them," he said.