This is a quick summary of the points Putin just made in his address announcing a special military operation in the Donbas. I came into it after he’d started. I will send out a link to a recording or transcript as soon as I’m aware they are available- Natylie
Putin said this operation will be taking place pursuant to a request by the Donbas forces to curb aggression. Putin cited the friendship treaties recently signed with the LPR and DPR as well as the UN Charter as justification for the operation. He said that Russian forces will not occupy Ukraine.
Putin appealed directly to members of the Ukrainian military to immediately lay down their arms and cited the history of their ancestors in fighting off Nazis in WWII. Putin mentioned that the coup forces from 2014 don’t want a peaceful resolution in Donbas. For 8 years, Putin said Russia had done everything it could to purse a peaceful process. But he said that Russia now has to stop “genocide” of the people [in Donbas] who pin their hopes entirely on Russia. Any bloodshed will be on the conscience of the Kiev regime.
Putin also issued a warning that those outside who try to interfere – Russia’s response will be immediate, “consequences you’ve never faced before in your history.” He further stated that the US is an empire of lies – “you have the force but you don’t have the brains.”
Putin said that the US has shown no respect for Russia’s security concerns. Instead NATO has been toughening their talk and Russia cannot continue to stand idly by as further NATO infrastructure and Anti-Russian forces receive cutting-edge weapons that are placed in Ukraine. It would be irresponsible as NATO countries have supported extreme and NeoNazi forces in Ukraine and Russian intelligence believes they will push for war in Crimea like in the Donbas. According to Russian intelligence, a clash with these NeoNazi forces is inevitable they are just biding their time. Russia will not allow them to acquire nuclear capabilities in Ukraine with this influence.
Putin also asserted that the people of [eastern] Ukraine have never been asked how they want the country they live in to be organized. He stated that truth and justice is on Russia’s side.
At the end he appealed to fellow Russians that the soldiers of the Russian armed forces will perform their duties professionally, that the business community and social and political factions will come together, “the destiny of Russia is in safe hands with our multiethnic population.”
A quick write-up at RT is here.
The ‘Empire of Lies’. Exceptional speech. Lays it out as it is.
Ukraine western funded Nazis are in for big trouble now. NATO can do nothing. No one wanted it to end up like this but reality is that west needs swift ‘attitude adjustment’ lesson.
Pretty awe inspiring Operation from Russian military and Donbass ‘army’. US tired 20th Century military will be looking on enviously. Quicker its over the quicker west will come to its senses. If not pain will be dialled up elsewhere for failed liberal Utopia. No time for self pity. Russian culture and people can be very forgiving, all can be mended in the future, thats up to the West not Russia.