Putin Makes Several Statements During Meeting with Veterans

Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with veterans of the Great Patriotic War in Saint Petersburg. Below are the key statements made by Putin during the meeting:

• Russia tried to find a peaceful way to resolve the conflict in Donbas, but this was impossible as the enemy was preparing for war.
• Many in Ukraine understand the full truth of what has happened.
• Russia is carefully recording all crimes committed against the civilian population in Ukraine by the current leadership and militants.
• The decision to launch a special military operation was difficult, forced, but necessary.