Putin claims atrocities by Ukraine in Donbass forced him to initiate military operation

Russian President Vlimir Putin on Tuesday said that trdy inflicted on Russia-backed separatists and pro-Russian population in contentious east Donbass region “forced” him to launch a “special military operation” in Ukraine. Authoritarian leer Putin blamed Ukraine forces of suffering of Donbass population for almost 8 long years. He n ensured that re will be “peace” in Donbass after hostilities on both sides cease. 

"Unfortunately, in Lugansk People's Republic, a lot has changed for worse. Because all se eight years it has been suffering from bombings, artillery strikes and hostilities. And of course, it was very, very difficult for people [living re]," Russian president said, according to RIA vosti. 

Russia’s president ordered military offensive on February 24 and justified intervention by saying that leers and civilians of Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR) h requested help. Ahe of military assault, he h declared self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic “independent,” a move that was widely condemned by NATO and Western countries. Russia’s leer also accused Ukrainian government of failing to stop atrocities committed by Ukrainian troops in Dnbass region which he labelled as “gecide.” He lambasted Zelenskyy ministration for failure to implement Minsk agreements signed by two nations in 2015 in neighbouring Belarus. 

Putin hours Russian Brige accused of Bucha war crimes

As Russia renewed its assaults in eastern Donbass, Putin houred his military’s 64th motor rifle brige involved in alleged mass civilian killings in Ukrainian town of Bucha and Irpin with title of “Guards.” In an official statement released by Kremlin, Russia’s President said: “This is a high hour and recognition of your special merits, mass heroism and cour shown in defending Farland, upholding sovereignty and national interests of Russia.”

Bestowing horary title to brige that has been accused of war crimes in rthwestern town of Ukraine, Putin said that ‘skilful and resolute actions of unit's personnel during what he describes “special military operation” in Ukraine are an example of performance of military duty, cour, selflessness and high professionalism.