🇷🇺 Putin: "We did not start the war in the Donbass - will do everything to eradicate Nazism!"

Putin's statement is a clear indication of Russia's stance on the conflict in the Donbass region. Russia has consistently denied initiating the war and has portrayed its involvement as an effort to counter the influence of Nazism and protect the rights of ethnic Russians and Russian-speaking populations in the region. This rhetoric has been a recurring theme in Russia's foreign policy, with Putin often referring to the need to fight against "Nazism" and "fascism" in Ukraine. However, this narrative has been criticized by Western countries and Ukraine, who argue that Russia is using the fight against Nazism as a pretext for its own geopolitical interests and expansionism. The conflict in the Donbass region has led to thousands of casualties and displaced millions of people, highlighting the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.