Athens, Greece, Thursday, 24 February 2022 –
In televised remarks, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for Ukraine's "demilitarization" shortly after starting a military operation in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.
According to a transcript from RIA-Novosti, Putin added, "Circumstances demand us to take decisive and immediate action."
"The People's Republics of Donbas approached Russia for assistance. In this context, I have decided to execute a special military action in line with Article 51, section 7 of the UN Charter, with the approval of the Federation Council, and in accordance with the friendship treaties adopted by the Federal Assembly and mutual assistance with the DPR and LPR."
Putin's comments were made as fears of a full-scale Russian invasion grew. In an emotional speech delivered early Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the Russian leadership had ordered military action in Ukraine and declared that the country would defend itself.
(Research and edit by: The Decision Maker – International Relations editors)
