One year ago, on February 21, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued an emergency address and announced the recognition of the independence of the self-proclaimed republics of Donbas. Two days later, on February 24, Putin told a "special military operation" on the territory of Ukraine, justifying it with the order to ensure the safety of the people of Donbas. Radar Armenia presents the remarkable parts of Vladimir Putin's speech.

"Circumstances force us to resort to decisive and immediate actions. The people's republics of Donbas appealed to Russia for help. By Article 51 of Part 7 of the UN Charter and in fulfillment of the agreements on friendship and mutual assistance with the Republic of Tajikistan and the People's Republic of China ratified by the Federal Assembly of Russia, I have decided to conduct a special military operation.

The purpose of the special operation is to protect the population. During the last eight years, they have been subjected to mockery and genocide by the Kyiv regime. That is why we will strive for the demilitarization and de-Nazification of Ukraine. We will hand over to the court those who committed bloody crimes against civilians.

A clash with Ukrainian nationalist circles was only a matter of time. They were preparing, waiting for the right time. Moreover, even now, they are trying to have nuclear weapons, which we will not allow.

Dear citizens, your fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers did not fight against the Nazis and protect our homeland in time, so today's neo-Nazis seize power in Ukraine and constantly threaten Russia. There is a constant threat to us from Ukraine, under which Russia cannot feel safe, develop or even exist.

We approach the newly formed entities in the post-Soviet space, and their sovereignty, with respect. Our assistance to Kazakhstan is such an example. Despite this, however, NATO is moving closer to Russia's borders, even though we have been trying for 30 years to agree that the alliance should not expand eastward. And in response, we faced lies, blackmail, and pressure attempts. Underlying the politics of the Lie Empire is hard power. In such cases, they tell us: "There is strength; you don't need intelligence." And we know that real power lies in justice and truth. It is on our side."