At the same time, the Kremlin leader accused the West of spreading “lies”. “For years, the Western elites have hypocritically assured us of their peaceful intentions, including for the resolution of the grave conflict in the Donbas,” Putin said. “The West lied about peace and prepared for aggression. And today it is not even ashamed to admit this openly.”
Putin reiterated that Ukraine and its people are being used to destroy Russia. “We have never allowed this and will not allow anyone to do this,” he said in an authoritarian and combative tone.
According to the Kremlin, the 70-year-old president visited the southern military district to talk to commanders and soldiers. He called on them to go forward and fight.
(Re) watch also: Putin: West tries to divide “historic Russia”.