By carrying out a military operation in the territory of Ukraine, Russia does not intend to divide Ukraine into parts, but only seeks to provide guarantees for its own security. Dmitry Peskov, the Press Secretary of the Russian President stated in an interview with Sky News Arabia.

“After the coup in 2014, Ukraine came under the influence of Nazi ideology. We want to free it from this ideology. In addition, the presence of NATO infrastructure in Ukraine has increased, which directly threatens Russia’s security. We do not aim to divide the Ukrainian territory into parts, but seek to ensure our security,” he said.

He added that Moscow seeks to “change the balance of security in Europe” so that NATO member states will no longer supply weapons to Ukraine.

At the same time, Peskov reminded that Russia, recognizing the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR), establishing diplomatic relations with them, has obligations to them, including in the field of security. In this regard, according to him, Russia is taking measures to “disarm Kiev”, which by its actions threatens the security of both the DPR and the LPR.

It should be reminded that in the early morning of 24 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a message announcing the decision to launch a special military operation in Donbas.

“Circumstances require us to take decisive and immediate action. The Donbas People’s Republics have appealed to Russia. I have decided to launch a special military operation in this regard,” Putin said in a televised address to Russian citizens.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that from 5:00 am (7:00 am Yerevan time) on Thursday, the Russian Armed Forces carried out intensive attacks on Ukrainian military facilities and airports.

The Verkhovna Rada has declared martial law in Ukraine.