We Will Not Strike Ukrainian Cities: What the Russian Defense Ministry Reports

The Russian Armed Forces will not carry out any missile, air, or artillery strikes on Ukrainian cities, the Ministry of Defense has informed RIA Novosti.

President Vladimir Putin stated in his address to the Russian people this morning that he has decided to conduct a special military operation in Donbas. The head of state noted that Russia's plans do not include the occupation of Ukraine, but Moscow will strive for its demilitarization.

“Military infrastructure, air defense facilities, military aircraft, and the aviation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are equipped with precision weaponry,” the agency reports.

The Ministry of Defense assured that the civilian population is not threatened.

It should be noted that the situation in Donbas has escalated in recent weeks. Kyiv has concentrated most of its army along the contact line and is periodically firing at territorial defense units using prohibited equipment. Due to the threat of invasion, Luhansk and Donetsk began evacuating women, children, and the elderly to regions of Russia. General mobilization has been announced.

In this context, on February 19, the leaders of the self-declared republics appealed to Russia with a request to recognize their independence.

On February 21, President Vladimir Putin said in a televised address that it is necessary to recognize the sovereignty of Luhansk and Donetsk immediately and signed the relevant decrees. The head of state instructed to ensure peacekeeping in the republics.

As the president clarified, he made such a decision because those who have taken the path of bloodshed, violence, and illegality do not recognize any other resolution to the Donbas conflict except for military action.

On Thursday night, the authorities of the DPR and LPR appealed to Russia for military assistance to defend against Ukrainian aggression.