In a surprise statement on television shortly before 03:00 GMT, the Russian president denounces a “genocide” in eastern Ukraine to justify the military operation.
Sitting at a dark wooden desk, Vladimir Putin does not blink. The Russian president is there to announce that the time for diplomacy is over. And to launch a military operation in Ukraine to defend the separatists in the east of the country.
“I made the decision for a special military operation”the Russian president said in a surprise statement on television shortly before 0300 GMT, once again denouncing a “genocide” orchestrated by Ukraine in the east of the country, citing the call for help from the separatists announced overnight and the aggressive policy of NATO towards Russia and of which Ukraine would be the ‘tool.
“For this, we will strive to achieve demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine”said the master of the Kremlin, promising to lead to court “those who have committed many crimes, responsible for the bloodshed of civilians, especially Russian citizens”.
“We do not have in our plans an occupation of Ukrainian territories, we do not intend to impose anything by force on anyone”he assured.
He addressed the Ukrainian military saying: “I call on you to lay down your arms”ensuring that they can then “to leave the battlefield unimpeded”.
Then he addressed thosewho would try to interfere with us […] they must know that Russia’s response will be immediate and will lead to consequences you have never experienced before”.
“I am sure that the soldiers and officers of Russia will fulfill their duty with courage”he said again, “the security of the country is guaranteed”.
Update : An early version of this article indicated that Putin’s declaration of war may have been recorded on Monday, as claimed by the news outlet “Novoaya Gazeta” and analysis of the video’s metadata. The error of “Novoaya Gazeta” was demonstrated on Thursday morning and this sentence has been removed to avoid confusion.