Putin and Peter the Great: Why does Vladimir Putin compare himself to the emperor of 18th century Russia?

Moscow, Ta. Sunday 12 June 2022

Vladimir Putin's praise of the 18th-century Russian emperor is well-known, but now Putin is beginning to see himself as such.

He compared himself to Peter the Great, the former emperor of the Russian Empire. Putin likens Peter's territorial wars three centuries ago to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In a way, Putin has, in the strongest terms ever, acknowledged that his own war is for war.

Putin's regionalist ambitions have hurt Ukraine, which has angered neighboring countries such as Estonia. Estonia said Putin's remarks were "unacceptable under any circumstances."

Russian President Vladimir Putin made the remarks during a meeting with young scientists and entrepreneurs.

He spoke on politics and power before talking about the achievements of the world of information technology and technology. He spoke of the new struggles he is facing for global influence. In his remarks, he spoke in front of a select group of people, saying that Peter the Great was a man to be reckoned with.

Peter has not occupied any place

"You think they are fighting Sweden, occupying their land," Putin said. Putin said this in reference to the 18th century Northern Wars. The war took place in the early 18th century, when Peter the Great was establishing a new Russian Empire.

Putin argued that he had not occupied any of the sites, but had recaptured them. Putin argued that slaves had been living in the area for centuries.

It seems that the responsibility to recover has now fallen on us. Putin's remarks left no doubt that he was referring to Ukraine and that he had expressed his intentions regarding Ukraine.

Putin said Peter's rule was a sign that Russia had become stronger as it expanded.

Putin is talking about history

Putin has been talking about Russia's history in recent days. He is very careful to say things that serve his purpose today. Several months before the invasion of Ukraine, he wrote a lengthy essay in which he argued that Ukraine had no historical right to exist.

When Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine on February 24, Putin lied about it, calling it a special operation by Russian forces. He said the Russian military operation would be limited to the Donbass area and was aimed at disarming the area. He said this would reduce the risk to Russia.

But while Putin was speaking, his forces were besieging the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, and advancing on the western part of the country. Twenty days after the start of the war, Russia controls 20 percent of Ukraine. Here Russia has set up a puppet administration that promises a referendum on annexation with Russia.

Now Putin is talking about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying that his military campaign is in fact a military coup.

They also believe that the West will eventually accept the truth that Russian troops are fighting to establish on the ground.

At the time, Putin said, no European country had recognized Russia's right to land where Pete had built St. Petersburg, Russia's new capital. Now he accepts this.

Putin's remarks have also shaken the Baltic states. The Estonian Foreign Ministry replaced the Russian ambassador and criticized the reference to Russia's Peter the Great's attack on Narva that Russia was withdrawing and strengthening its territories. Narva is now part of Estonia.

However, Putin is using history to his advantage.

Peter traveled to Europe in search of knowledge

Although Peter the Great was an authoritarian dictator, he was a big fan of Western ideas, science and culture. He established St. Petersburg as a window into Europe. Peter traveled to Europe in search of knowledge so that he could bring Russia to modernity.

Putin's continued repressive rule gradually closed the window to Europe. The Ukraine war has closed this window in one fell swoop. In those days Tsar Peter the Great traveled to Holland and Greenwich for knowledge and inspiration. It seems impossible for Putin to make such a trip here today.

While Putin was educating neo-scientists and young entrepreneurs about the Tsar of the 18th century, three big words flashed behind him - the future, confidence and victory.

Russia has been sharply criticized by Western nations over the Ukraine war and has imposed harsh sanctions. Russia has been rejecting it. Putin himself appeared calm and relaxed, rather than worried.

But perhaps there is one more lesson for them in the history books.

Peter the Great occupied the land from the Baltic to the Black Sea, but Russia had to fight the Great Northern War for 21 years.