During a nationally televised address on Tuesday, the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, reiterated the government’s stance that Moscow has not initiated armed conflict. He framed the events in Ukraine as a defensive measure, describing the operation launched at the end of February 2022 as a response rather than an offensive campaign. The message conveyed was that Russia is acting to deter what he described as aggression against the country and its people.
Putin asserted that the nation is not the aggressor in this situation. Instead, he proposed that Russia is seeking to halt a war against itself with the aid of what he termed a special military operation. The remarks were carried by the state news service Interfax, which covered the president’s remarks at a nationwide awards ceremony where he sought to frame Moscow’s actions within a broader security narrative.
In a later portion of his remarks, Putin touched upon the claim that some groups considered to be tied to historical Russian populations were located beyond what he called the borders of historical Russian states. He framed this as a historical injustice, adding that such groups still belong to the Russian people and that this historical reality does not erase their ties to Russia. The president emphasized continuity of identity and connection even amid shifting borders and political boundaries.
Putin elaborated that while the country is facing challenging times, there is an emphasis on using historical context to reinforce national sentiment and the spiritual foundations of society. He linked these cultural and moral themes to the country’s broader objectives, including efforts to bolster economic resilience, productive capacity, and educational vitality. The message underscored a call for unity and perseverance as Russia navigates present pressures and strives to sustain social cohesion.