why follow Putin statements. Putin also said he attacked Ukraine because he was bored. you still not getting that he has deep contempt for alot of people including Russians. if Ukraine was governed by pro Russia before 2014 than what was Russia actual investments in that country?. that was time when Kadyrov said his wealth is given directly by Allah. meaning it is not humanly possible to earn it on earth. that FIFA/Olympics small potato. i already gave you link that 80% of private business registered in occupied Ukraine is from southern Russia. here is another link deputy chairman of Russian government (a Federal official) is looking after city of Mariupol and you can see his credentials.False comparison, because at that same time Russia and Putin were also NATO aligned.
Putin himself also said he was interested in joining NATO:
Things actually only changed in 2008, after the issues in Georgia.
But until 2014 the territory of Ukraine was still governed by pro-Russian governments. Russia used Ukrainian engines, inputs and the majority of the population of eastern Ukraine has always been Russian and pro-Russian.
Not admitting the loss of Russia's influence in this area is just trying to hide the truth.
It's becoming a good tradition to photograph the night panorama of Mariupol!
Every month I see how the city changes and becomes better and better!
Quite recently, we celebrated the 1100th anniversary of the adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria. At that time, I headed the organizing committee of the celebration. We developed a large plan of events and celebrated this date widely at the highest level.
when Putin said Grozny is super city he was answering to a chechen journalist that has golden beared. study some Soft Power than you will understand reality.
Putin called Grozny a supercity and a miracle of modern Russia