An address by Russian President Vladimir Putin
These plans were devised many years ago. Increasing NATO's offensive capability near our borders encouraged international terrorist groups in the Caucasus. Russophobia was used indiscriminately as a weapon, including fostering hate for Russia for decades, primarily in Ukraine, which was designed as a bridgehead against Russia. Their actions in 2014 pushed the Ukrainian people into a war with Russia, which they released. 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.
As a result of Kiev regime public refusal to settle the Donbass issue peacefully and its announcement that it wished to possess nuclear weapons, it became obvious that a new offensive in Donbass was inevitable, as there had been two before, accompanied by a military attack on Crimea, that is, on Russia.
In this context, launching a preemptive military campaign was the only feasible option. This operation still has its main goal - liberating all of Donbass.
Neo-Nazis have mostly been eliminated from the Lugansk Peoples Republic. There is continuing fighting in the Donetsk Peoples Republic. During the Kiev occupation regime's eight-year reign, permanent defences were built in layers. In a head-on attack, heavy losses would have resulted, which is why our units, as well as those of the Donbass republics, are acting competently and systematically, using military equipment and saving lives, making small steps to remove the Nazis from towns and cities, and assist the victims the Kiev regime turned into hostages and human shields.
Special military operations are conducted by professional military personnel under contract. There are also volunteer units made up of people of different ethnicities, professions, and ages fighting alongside them. They defended Russia and Donbass in response to their hearts' call.
The Government and the Defence Ministry are already under instructions to determine the legal status of volunteers and personnel of the military units of the Donetsk and Lugansk peoples republics. In addition to material, medical, and social benefits, it should be the same as the status of military professionals in the Russian army. Volunteer units and Donbass peoples militia need access to military and other equipment.