Russian President Vladimir Putin now claims some countries "promote colonialism" which led to a "dire crisis" in Ukraine.
He says Russia's actions in Ukraine are in response to a war "unleashed" by the West.
Putin says their "aspiration" to "preserve their hegemony in the world", led to a coup d'etat in Ukraine (in 2014).
"Russia decided to support people that fight for their culture, for their traditions, for their language, and for their future," he claims.
He says Russia's actions in Ukraine are designed to "put an end to the war that was unleashed by the West against people in Donbas [in eastern Ukraine]".
Meanwhile, Gen Sergei Surovikin - who was previously in charge of Russia's forces in Ukraine - has been sacked from his latest role.
Surovikin - nicknamed "General Armageddon" - hasn't been seen in public since the Wagner rebellion in June.
Latest Stories
-
Philippines’ ex-President Rodrigo Duterte arrested at ICC’s request over ‘drugs war’, government says
19 minutes -
Cowbell-GES Independence Day Debate: Gomoa Senior High Technical outshines Serwaa Kesse Girls’ SHS to win contest
34 minutes -
Geisha champions women’s empowerment and progress at 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo
45 minutes -
Musk’s Tesla facilities in US face ‘Takedown’ protests
57 minutes -
Charity M. E. Adupong’s vision of promoting food security and empowering women in agricbusiness
1 hour -
Stocks fall in US and Asia over Trump tariffs concerns
1 hour -
Liverpool need best display of season to beat PSG – Slot
2 hours -
King and Kate return to annual Commonwealth service
2 hours -
US unveils new app for ‘self-deportations’
2 hours -
More than 80% of USAID programmes ‘officially ending’
2 hours -
Ayra Starr, Mofe-Damijo to join Idris Elba as cast of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’
2 hours -
Businessman, farmer granted bail for allegedly defrauding estate developer
2 hours -
Nigeria’s anti-graft agency recovers nearly $500m in one year
3 hours -
NDC Sowutuom branch organiser granted GH¢100,000 bail pending appeal
3 hours -
Facebook was ‘hand in glove’ with China, BBC told
3 hours