Russia’s Troop Movements Justified as Peacekeeping, but the West Remains Skeptical
In a move that has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized two separatist regions in Ukraine and ordered troops into these territories under the pretense of peacekeeping duties. The US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, condemned this action, labeling Putin’s justifications as “nonsense” and accusing him of fabricating false narratives to create a justification for war. She stressed that the Russian leader’s goal is to revert to an era when empires were dominant.
Vasily Nebenzya, Russia’s representative on the Security Council, accused Western nations of provoking Ukraine towards conflict and disregarding the struggles faced by those in the Donbas region. In a direct response, Ukraine’s ambassador, Sergiy Kyslytsya, maintained that Ukraine’s borders are non-negotiable, demanding that Russia reverse its decision and engage in talks.
Putin’s move followed an explosive televised address in which he harshly criticized Ukraine as a “puppet regime” and denied its historical right to independence. This rhetoric was accompanied by misleading video evidence, including fabricated scenes depicting Ukrainian aggression, which have been easily debunked. Putin’s actions have escalated tensions, as fears grow that this could mark the beginning of a broader military conflict.
