Putin's Speech Announcing Invasion of Ukraine

The text is a speech given by Russian President Vladimir Putin on 21 Feb 2022. The speech addresses Russia's military actions in Ukraine and seeks to justify Russia's involvement in the conflict. Putin argues that Russia is acting in self-defense, and that the people's republics of Donbass have asked for Russia's help. He cites the need to protect people facing "humiliation and genocide" at the hands of the Kiev regime, and seeks to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine.

Putin also defends Russia's actions in Crimea, claiming that Russia was obligated to protect the people there from "nats," or nationalists. He argues that the current events are not an attempt to infringe on the interests of Ukraine or its people, but rather a response to the threat Ukraine poses to Russia. Putin urges the military personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to refuse to carry out "criminal orders" and to lay down their arms.

In the second part of the speech, Putin emphasizes the importance of Russia's strength and readiness to fight. He argues that having justice and truth on their side makes Russia truly strong, and that their strength is the bedrock of independence and sovereignty. Putin expresses his belief in the support of the multi-ethnic people of Russia and their love for their Fatherland, stating that the decisions he has made will be executed and that Russia's security will be reliably guaranteed.