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Putin Claims Russia Should Have Launched 'Special Military Operation' Earlier Due to Minsk Agreements

Dec 19, 2024, 02:59 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the decision to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine should have been made earlier than February 2022. During his annual end-of-year press conference, Putin emphasized that Russia should have begun preparing for the conflict well in advance. He reiterated that the invasion, referred to by Russia as a 'special military operation,' was a response to what he described as being 'deceived' and 'forced' into action due to Ukraine's alleged non-compliance with the Minsk agreements. Putin also mentioned that the war has changed him personally, noting that he now jokes less and laughs less frequently.