Russia could regain its status as “a global rival” for Western powers through some degree of “integration” with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a newly released interview.

“Some like dividing Ukraine and Russia. They believe it’s a very important goal,” Putin told TASS, a state-run media outlet. “Since any integration of Russia and Ukraine, along with their capacities and competitive advantages, would spell the emergence of a rival — a global rival for both Europe and the world.”