Putin: The West is using Ukraine and its people as “cannon fodder” and a battering ram against Russia

The West has actually turned Ukraine into its colony. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in his video address to the participants of the meeting of the heads of the defense ministries of the countries – members of the SCO and the CIS.

Vladimir Putin said that at the moment in Ukraine, the grave consequences of the actions of the West are noticeable, which for many years shamelessly siphoned off and exploited the resources of this country, and also encouraged genocide and terror in the Donbass.

“The West has actually turned this country (Ukraine. – Approx. REN TV) to the colony”– said the head of state.

According to him, the West uses the people of Ukraine as “cannon fodder” and a battering ram against Russia due to the fact that it continues to supply Kyiv with weapons and shells, as well as sending foreign mercenaries.

By doing this, the West is only pushing Ukraine onto a suicidal path, Putin concluded.

Russian special operation to protect Donbass

Recall, on February 17, the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics announced an aggravation of the situation. The republics announced the evacuation of civilians.

On February 21, the leaders of the Donbass republics turned to Russian leader Vladimir Putin with a request to recognize the independence of the DNR and LNR. The head of state held a meeting of the Security Council, after which he announced the recognition of the republics. Friendship and cooperation agreements were also signed with the independent Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics. The State Duma and the Federation Council ratified these agreements.

On February 23, the heads of the DPR and LPR appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin with a request to help repel Ukraine’s aggression in order to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and civilian casualties.

On February 24, the Russian leader addressed the nation and announced the start of a special operation in Ukraine to protect Donbass.

On September 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin and the heads of the DPR, LPR, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions signed agreements on the entry of these regions into the Russian Federation.