As Kyiv and various regions of Ukraine are hit by new deadly attacks, Vladimir Putin on Saturday decorated several soldiers returning from fighting in Ukraine. Sending them his wishes for the year 2023, the Kremlin chief spoke of a past year filled with “truly decisive and important events” that “lay the foundations (…) of our true independence,” while the armed conflict between the two countries it has entered its tenth month.
“The West lied about peace and prepared for aggression”
“This is what we are fighting for today, to protect our people in our own historical territories, in the new constituent entities of Russia,” he added, explaining that “moral and historical correctness” was “on the side” of Russia.
“That is what we are fighting for today, to protect our people in our own historical territories, in the new constituent entities of Russia,” he added.
A few hours earlier, the Kremlin had issued a decree no longer obliging soldiers and officials serving in Ukraine to declare “their income, expenses and assets.” One provision is part of the Kremlin’s incentives to push the Russians to fight in Ukraine. The measure also applies to the “spouses and minor children” of the affected people and is retroactive from February 24, 2022, the date of the start of the Russian offensive.
After launching a military offensive against Ukraine in early February, Russia claimed in September the annexation of four Ukrainian territories it controls at least partially, following the pattern of the Crimean peninsula in March 2014.
The Russian president also lashed out at “a real sanctions war that has been declared on us” by the West. “Those who started it expected the total destruction of our industry, our finances and our transportation. That didn’t happen,” he added.
He accused the Americans and Europeans of “cynically using Ukraine and its people to weaken and divide Russia.” “The West lied about peace and prepared for aggression. And today it is not ashamed to admit it, in broad daylight,” said the Russian head of state.
“Together we will overcome all difficulties and keep our country great and independent. We will come out ahead and win, for the good of our families and for the good of Russia,” he concluded.
Source: BFM TV
