Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed an official document to annex four territories occupied by Ukraine into his country, bypassing international rules. Addressing top Russian officials at an event in the Kremlin, Putin warned that people from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, Kherson have now become Russian citizens. If they are attacked, it will be considered an attack on Russia. Russia will retaliate with all its might to protect its citizens and its sovereignty.
Ukraine should negotiate, however, he warned
Putin said the former leaders’ promise not to expand NATO had become a fraud. Calling on Kiev to “immediately” end military operations, he said Ukraine should negotiate. However, he warned that Russia would not relinquish its hold on the newly annexed territories. He accused the West of sabotaging a Russian gas pipeline in Germany and said the West wanted to ‘colonize’ Russia. The West is looking for a new opportunity to weaken and disintegrate Russia, they cannot get over the fact that we are such a great country.
Let us tell you that from September 23 to 27, Russia held referendums in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson. It is then claimed that a majority of the four regions have voted to side with Russia. According to the news agency, it is claimed that 99.2% in Donetsk, 98.4% in Luhansk, 93.1% in Zaporizhia and 87% in Kherson voted in favor of going with Russia.
Was Crimea mixed like this?
It is worth mentioning that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine started in February 2014. The conflict was sparked by protests against President Viktor Yanukovych in Ukraine. Yanukovych was a Russian-backed leader. On 22 February 2014, Yanukovych fled the country. On February 27, the Russian army occupied Crimea. In March 2014, a referendum was held in Crimea. It was claimed that 97 percent voted in favor of joining Russia. On 18 March 2014, Crimea officially became part of Russia.
Ukraine’s president calls Russia ‘bloodthirsty’
At least 25 people were killed and 50 injured in Zaporizhzhya following a Russian attack on Ukrainian territory, described by Ukraine’s president as “bloodthirsty”. Following this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday called Russia a “terrorist country” and “bloodthirsty”. After the Russian shooting in southern Zaporizhia, Zelensky said, “Only absolute terrorists could do this. Blood thirst! You will surely answer for every Ukrainian life.” With this, Ukraine has intensified its efforts to be included in the list of NATO countries.