Russia Conducts Special Operation to Free Russian-Speaking Citizens, Lavrov Says

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated in an interview with TASS that Russia is conducting a special operation to protect Russian-speaking citizens who are being oppressed by Ukraine in violation of all international norms.

“We are carrying out our special military operation precisely for those who are oppressed—violating all possible international norms and principles, and undermining the foundations on which Ukraine's independence was declared,” the minister emphasized.

He noted that Kyiv has crossed boundaries and has stripped Russian-speaking and national minorities of their rights, and that Russia aims to liberate these people from any threat.