ISW: Putin invented new justifications for the war against Ukraine.

Putin: Ukraine must be invaded

In an interview with Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin, President of Russia Vladimir Putin once again stated the necessity of conducting a full-scale military operation in Ukraine, noting that this decision should have been made earlier. This position was expressed in an interview published by the Institute for the Study of War.

Putin accused Ukraine of preparing for military actions against Russia and explained that Moscow had not fulfilled the Minsk agreements. He also believes that Russia should have chosen the right moment for the invasion rather than waiting until it became impossible.

The Institute for the Study of War noted that Putin did not mention the strengthening of the Ukrainian army after the annexation of Crimea and the beginning of the war in eastern Ukraine. It was pointed out that the Minsk agreements are unfavorable for Russia because they do not impose any obligations on it.