Putin compares his invasion to Peter the Great's European conquest. Here's why that matters.

To ensure delivery to your inbox add email@mail.nbcnews.com to your contacts | View in browser

Jun 10, 2022 Putin compares his invasion to Peter the Great's European conquest. Here's why that matters. Vladimir Putin compared himself to Peter the Great on Friday, saying he shares the 18th-century czar's goal of returning "Russian lands" to a greater empire. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has raised fears that Putin is intent not only on claiming its neighbor and former Soviet republic, but poses a threat to countries such as Poland, Finland and the Baltics, among others. Read More Follow Us Get the NBC News Mobile App Check out all NBC News newsletters here. 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 View in browser | Unsubscribe | Contact | Privacy