Vladimir Putin – ‘Empire of Lies’ Speech – Full – February 24, 2022

(Source: Lew Rockwell)

A week ago Wednesday, Vladimir Putin made this speech. No sooner had he finished speaking than the first tanks began rolling into Ukraine from the eastern border and then from Belarus.

This speech explains why. It’s a very important read. I bolded a few sections but it is otherwise un-redacted.

TEXT OF SPEECH – February 24, 2022 (emphases, mine)

Citizens of Russia, friends,

I consider it necessary today to speak again about the tragic events in Donbass and the key aspects of ensuring the security of Russia.

I will begin with what I said in my address on February 21, 2022. I spoke about our biggest concerns and worries, and about the fundamental threats which irresponsible Western politicians created for Russia consistently, rudely and unceremoniously from year to year. I am referring to the eastward expansion of NATO, which is moving its military infrastructure ever closer to the Russian border.