Russians and Russian speakers from “genocide” as he justified the dramatic decision to recognize the independence of pro-Russian separatsts in Eastern Ukraine late on Monday.
In an hour-long emotional, and occasionally angry, address to
the nation, Putin outlined his interpretation of Ukrainian history and
what he sees as persecution of Russians in the Donbas, concluding that
he was left with no choice but to recognize the breakaway regions of
Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states.
“The West acts as if there are no horrors and no genocide, to
which almost four million people are being subjected,” Putin said in the
closing remarks of his address, speaking from behind a desk in his
office.
“How long can this tragedy continue? How much longer can we stomach it?”
“They are fighting for their basic rights — to live on their
own land, to speak their own language, to preserve their culture and
traditions,” he added, in reference to the Donbas residents." MT
