# Putin: Power in Ukraine usurped by group of embezzlers who need war

https://mins.news/en/item/64776

- TASS, 2026-09-18 19:28 UTC
- World
- Original: https://tass.com/politics/2189931

> Russian President Vladimir Putin said power in Ukraine had been usurped by a small group of embezzlers and corrupt officials. He said they needed the war to stay in power without elections and continue taking sponsor funds, including from Europe, for personal gain.

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