❗️ Putin announced a military operation due to the situation in the Donbass

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the beginning of a military operation. He announced this in an urgent appeal to citizens who began at about 5:45 am February 24.

“Her [operation] goal is to protect people [from the DPR and LPR], which are exposed to genocide from the Ukrainian authorities for eight years,” Putin said.

The President said that further expansion of NATO is unacceptable for Russia and that the development of Ukraine forces NATO forces Russia. He also noted that Russia cannot exist with a constant threat that comes from the territory of modern Ukraine. According to him, Ukraine was taken hostage.

By announcing the beginning of a military operation, Putin said that Russia did not leave the opportunity to protect compatriots, so the circumstances demand decisive actions from us. The President said that our plans do not include the occupation of the territory of Ukraine and that we do not impose anything on anyone. He urged the Ukrainian military to put up weapons.

Putin also said that all responsibility for bloodshed will be on the conscience of the regime that rules in Ukraine. The President is confident that "the military devoted to his country will professionally fulfill their duty."

Earlier, on the night of February 24, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that until the morning of Thursday the Russian military will begin "something similar to a full-scale invasion of Ukraine." The White House notes that the United States will not send American troops to Ukraine.

Ukraine requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council at night. President of the country Vladimir Zelensky turned to the Russians and said that Ukrainians want peace and did not want war, do not plan to seize the Donbass. According to him, Ukraine will defend itself if they attack the country.

What else to read and see:

• A banner with the inscription "No War" appeared on Gorstkin’s bridge. One photo .
• In St. Petersburg, a car racing was held in support of the Donbass. Participants in a similar run against QR codes were detained.