Kathrine Frich
Putin returned to the well-known Kremlin justification for the war.
Putin returned to the well-known Kremlin justification for the war.
Putin Denies Starting the War in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russia did not start the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to nuclear industry workers in Sarov, he insisted that Moscow is doing “everything possible to stop it.”
His statement comes despite Russia launching a full-scale invasion in February 2022.
“People Are Brainwashed,” Putin Tells Nuclear Experts
Putin accused the West of spreading misinformation about the war.
He said that Western media has “brainwashed” people into believing that Russia began the conflict.
According to him, the fighting started when Ukraine used tanks and aircraft against civilians in Donbas.
Kremlin Leader Repeats Donbas Narrative
During his remarks, Putin returned to the well-known Kremlin justification for the war.
He claimed that Ukraine attacked peaceful residents in Donbas, which forced Russia to respond.
This version of events has been widely challenged by international observers and analysts.
Talks with Trump and Scientific Cooperation
Putin also discussed his recent meeting with Donald Trump in Alaska.
He touched on topics including nuclear development and international scientific partnerships.
Despite the war, he suggested that cooperation with Western experts is still possible in some areas.
Russia Claims Support from Some NATO States
While criticizing the West, Putin also pointed to countries he claims still cooperate with Moscow.
He mentioned Hungary and Turkey, both NATO members, as examples.
His comments appear designed to show that Russia is not entirely isolated on the international stage.
War in Ukraine Continues After Russian Invasion
Despite Putin’s statements, it was Russia that ordered troops into Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
The conflict has caused widespread destruction and suffering across Ukraine.
Millions of people have been displaced and tens of thousands have died.
Russia’s Ongoing Territorial Claims
Russia continues to claim control over four regions in Ukraine: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.
However, it does not fully control these areas.
These annexations, along with the earlier seizure of Crimea in 2014, are not recognized internationally.
