Russian President Vladimir Putin recently blamed Western elites for provoking the Russia-Ukraine war, alleging that they prepared Ukraine’s military for conflict even before the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Claims the West Sabotaged Negotiations
In a video address commemorating the second anniversary of Russia's annexation of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, Putin accused the West of turning Ukraine into a "colony" aimed at undermining Russia.
According to Putin, Russia tried to resolve the tensions peacefully after the 2014 conflict, which followed the ousting of Ukraine’s pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych.
He claims the West sabotaged negotiations, instead supplying Ukraine with weapons, mercenaries, and military advisors to prepare for an offensive against Russia, according to Ziare.
Not an Act of Agression
Putin's speech also reiterated his view that Russia's invasion is a defensive measure. He suggested that Ukraine, backed by Western nations, aimed to sever Russia’s historical ties with regions such as Crimea and Donbas.
He framed the "special military operation" not as an act of aggression but as a "liberating" force for these territories. "The operation was necessary and valid," Putin declared, emphasizing that Donbas and other areas historically belonged to Russia.
Although over two years have passed since the invasion, Russia has yet to fully control the territories it annexed. However, Putin praised the efforts of Russian volunteers, social organizations, and political parties for helping rebuild infrastructure like homes, schools, and kindergartens in the occupied regions.
He assured that the Kremlin’s goals would be achieved, encouraging national unity and patriotism.
