Russian President Vladimir Putin has recognized the self-proclaimed “People’s Republics” of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine as independent states. Quotes from the Kremlin chief’s televised speech on Monday evening:
“Today’s Ukraine was created entirely by Russia.”
(On the history of Ukraine)
“The so-called civilized world, of which our Western colleagues declared themselves to be the only representatives, prefers not to notice. As if there were nothing, all this horror, all this genocide to which almost four million people are subjected.”
(Putin on the alleged mass murder of the Russian-speaking population in eastern Ukraine)
“Ukraine has (…) been reduced to the level of a colony with a puppet regime.”
(On the alleged control of Kiev from abroad – mainly by the USA)
“The Americans simply used them to pursue a clearly anti-Russian policy.”
(Putin on previous US comments on the possible admission of Ukraine and Georgia to NATO)
“We know that there have been reports that Ukraine wants to produce its own nuclear weapons. This is no idle boast. In fact, Ukraine still has Soviet nuclear technologies and delivery systems for such weapons.”
(To warn against the production of nuclear weapons in Ukraine)
“Russia has every right to take response measures to ensure its own security. And we will do the same.”
(About the actions of Russia)
“You want decommunization? (…) We are ready to show Ukraine what real decommunization is.”
(Putin questions Ukraine’s statehood, calling it a state created by communist leader Lenin)
“For us, Ukraine is not just a neighboring country. It is an indispensable part of our own history and culture (…). These are our comrades, our neighbors.”
(On historical relations of Russia with Ukraine)
“Russia has always advocated and always advocates that the most difficult problems be decided at the negotiating table using political-diplomatic methods.”
(On Russia’s willingness to continue dialogue with the West on security in Europe)
“They betrayed us.”
(On NATO’s eastward expansion)
“I consider it necessary to make a long-matured decision: to immediately recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic.”
(To the recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk)