MOSCOW, Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed on Monday that Moscow will accomplish all its objectives in Ukraine, as the conflict enters its third year.
In a video message marking the second anniversary of Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions—Lugansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—Putin declared, “The truth is on our side. All goals set will be achieved.”
Putin justified the invasion by claiming it was necessary to protect Russian speakers from a “neo-Nazi dictatorship” in Ukraine and criticized Western nations for turning Ukraine into a “military base” against Russia. He emphasized that Russia is fighting for the future security and prosperity of its people. Despite these assertions, Russia does not fully control the territories it annexed.
