A message from the Russian President
This plan was devised long ago. Increasing NATO's offensive capability near our borders encouraged international terrorist groups in the Caucasus. As a weapon, they cultivated indiscriminate Russophobia for decades, especially in Ukraine, which was intended to serve as a bridgehead against Russia. They turned the Ukrainian people into cannon fodder in 2014, pushing them into war with Russia. In Ukraine, a coup led to the establishment of a government that used the army against civilians and imposed blockades, terror and genocide against those who disagreed with the new government.
In response to Kiev's public refusal to settle the Donbass issue peacefully and the fact that the Kiev regime was announcing nuclear weapons possession, it became clear that a new offensive in Donbass was inevitable. There had been two offensives before. And which would be followed by an attack on Russia's Crimea, that is, on Russia.
This made it necessary and the only option to begin a military operation before the situation got worse. Donbass will be liberated as a whole through this operation.
Neo-Nazis have almost completely been driven out of the Lugansk Peoples Republic. In Donetsk Peoples Republic, fighting continues. As a result of its eight-year occupation, Kiev has created an increasingly complex system of permanent defenses. It would have resulted in heavy losses if we had attacked them directly, which is why our units, as well as the Donbass republics' forces, are acting competently and systematically, using military equipment and saving lives, as we remove the Nazis from towns and cities, aid the hostages and human shields.
Under contract military personnel are taking part in the special military operation, as you are aware. In support of them are volunteer units composed of people from diverse backgrounds, professions, and ages. In defense of Russia and Donbass, they answered their hearts' call.
The Government and the Defence Ministry have already been instructed to determine the legal status of volunteers and personnel of the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republic military units. All material, medical, and social benefits must be equal to those of military professionals in the Russian army. Volunteer units and Donbass peoples militia need access to military and other equipment.