Russian president said in a speech that the incorporation of the territories represents the “choice of millions of people”
The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, made official this Friday (30.Sep.2022) the annexation of the Ukrainian territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson to Russia. Together, the regions account for 15% of Ukraine.
In a ceremony held in hall in the Kremlin Palace –seat of the Russian government– Putin addressed members of the Russian Parliament, government ministers and religious leaders. Local administrators from Moscow-appointed regions were also present.
During his speech, the Russian president said that the incorporation of the 4 Ukrainian areas to the territory of Russia is the “Millions of Choice” who share a “common history” with the country, in reference to the referendums that started last Friday (23.Sep) and ended this week.
The results of the popular consultation showed a majority approval for membership. According to Russian officials, the percentages ranged from 87% to 99.2%. However, Ukraine and Western countries do not recognize the results. They also accuse the Russian government of coercing residents to vote, under threat of punishment.
“There are 4 new regions of Russia. […] Despite all the difficulties, they carried on this love for Russia, and that feeling cannot be extinguished by anyone.” said.
Putin further stated that Russia will defend the new territories with all the resources at its disposal. But he declared that “does not intend” go back to the past and rebuild the Soviet Union, although he claims to believe that “there is nothing stronger than the will of these people [dos territórios ucranianos] return to its historical roots”.
In a brief nod to Ukraine, the Russian leader declared that Kiev must “back to the negotiating table” and asked the country to cease “immediately” military actions.
He also said that Russia is open to dialogue. But, according to Putin, the Ukrainian authorities must “respect the expression of the will of the people”.
Putin also criticized the US during his speech. He said that the US country was responsible for creating the precedent for the use of nuclear weapons. He further asserted that the US and its allies have waged a “hybrid warfare” against Russia.
According to the president, the West believes that “its civilization and its neoliberal culture are the gold standard for all others”While “unilaterally decide who has the right to self-determination and who does not”.
“Western elites have always been like this. They were colonizers and remain colonizers, they discriminate and distinguish between 1st class and 2nd class nations. That is why there is Russophobia, which is spreading throughout the West.”said.
After the speech, Vladimir Putin signed the decrees sanctioning the accession of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Alongside the administrators of the 4 Ukrainian regions, the Russian leader listened to the national anthem of Russia. In the end, Putin and local leaders joined hands in celebration.
The signed documents now go to be verified by the Constitutional Court of Russia. Afterwards, they will be ratified by the country’s Parliament.
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