Putin reiterates propaganda theses about «peaceful intentions» and «protection of Crimean residents»
Vladimir Putin made a series of manipulative statements about the causes and course of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
During his speech, he stated that:
“For eight years I have been trying to resolve the situation in Ukraine by peaceful means”,
Russia “wants to end the war”,
Russia “did not occupy Crimea”, but allegedly “came to the aid of the peninsula's residents”,
“we will always protect our people”.
These statements are fully consistent with typical Kremlin narratives aimed at justifying aggression against Ukraine.
The reality the Kremlin is hiding
The facts contradict Putin's words:
In 2014, Russia seized Crimea by military force, held a pseudo-referendum and started a war in Donbas.
The full-scale invasion of 2022 was a direct violation of international law, the UN Charter and dozens of bilateral agreements.
The Kremlin has systematically refused to implement the Minsk agreements, continuing to arm and control the occupation administrations.
International partners have repeatedly called Putin's statements about “peaceful attempts” manipulative and aimed at shaping an information picture favourable to the Kremlin.
The purpose of the statements
Analysts note that such statements by the dictator are intended:
to influence the Western audience before the negotiations;
to shift responsibility for the war to Ukraine and the West;
to create the illusion of russia's readiness for “peace”;
justify the occupation of Ukrainian territories.
Instead, Russian forces continue daily attacks on civilian infrastructure and cities in Ukraine.
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