Fact check: Did Putin argue that Ukraine can't attack back on Russian soil

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, there is no direct evidence that Putin explicitly argued Ukraine cannot attack back on Russian soil ^{[1] [2]}. While Putin has made numerous statements about Ukraine, including claims about "demilitarization" and accusations about a "neo-Nazi regime" ^{[3] [4]}, none of the sources indicate he specifically made this argument.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question overlooks several crucial facts:

• Ukraine has actively conducted cross-border operations into Russian territory, particularly in the Kursk region ^[5]
• Ukrainian forces have:
• Captured multiple settlements
• Advanced up to 30km into Russian territory
• Claimed control of over 1,100 square kilometers
• Taken control of at least 82 settlements ^[5]
• Ukraine has conducted various types of attacks on Russian soil, including:
• Drone strikes
• Missile attacks
• Ground incursions
• Strikes on military installations
• Attacks on oil refineries and strategic infrastructure ^[6]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question itself contains potential biases and oversimplifications:

• It assumes Putin made such an argument when the available evidence suggests he focused on different narratives, such as:
• Claims about Ukraine's supposed "nuclear ambitions" ^[3]
• The narrative of Ukraine being part of a "Russian World" ^[2]
• Accusations about a "neo-Nazi regime" ^[4]

Those benefiting from promoting this narrative might include:

• Russian state media and propagandists seeking to portray Ukraine as the aggressor
• Western critics of Ukraine's military strategy who might use such claims to argue against supporting Ukraine's defensive capabilities
• Putin's regime, which benefits from portraying Russia as defending its sovereign territory rather than being the aggressor in the conflict