Read all about the conflict in Ukraine in our file.
Since 2015, a holiday in honor of the Russian special forces has been observed in Russia on February 27. Putin expressed his recognition for the Russian armed forces in a video message in honor of that military holiday on Sunday. Not for the first time, they are performing their duties as well as possible under difficult circumstances, according to the president.
Putin described the invasion of Ukraine in his message as a “special military operation”. “Special thanks to those who heroically fulfill their military duty these days during a special operation to provide aid to the people of the Donbas region,” the Russian leader said.
Russian armed forces are being deployed to protect Russia’s national interests, Putin said. He also encouraged his troops.
The ‘People’s Republics’ Luhansk and Donetsk, which are recognized by Russia, are located in the Donbass region in eastern Ukraine. One of the objectives of the Russian military operation is to bring the larger regions of Luhansk and Donetsk completely under the control of the pro-Russian separatists.
Putin previously stated that he wants to do a demilitarization of Ukraine. He also wants to overthrow the leadership, which he describes as nationalist and has repeatedly criticized for his anti-Russian policies.
Also watch: PORTRAIT. This is what Putin’s urge to conquer looks like