Sadly, given the emotiveness of this issue I have to start with a disclaimer that I translate Putin’s speeches not out of agreement but out of the desire to communicate to people in the West what his stated motivations are. While I oppose the invasion of Ukraine the summary below is a faithful translation and paraphrasing of the speech, with certain parts omitted to make it more readable. These parts are mostly where he is addressing a domestic audience which is unlikely to be of interest to a Western reader.
Once again, thanks for the translation. Also once again, while I can't speak to Putin's intentions or his plans for Russia, I can find no fault in his assessment of the West, particularly the part about degeneracy.
Thank you very much for providing this translation. I find it very helpful in developing a deeper understanding. I presume on such addresses from any world leader to be crafted with political goals and to be vigorously scrutinized. Putin, of course, is to be expected to present ideas and interpretations of events in a one-sided manner. But I do believe that though he is selective in the points he raises, I believe that he does present his own views and motivations regarding the conflict with a fairly high degree of sincerity. It seemed obvious to me from the time Russia began preparing for the invasion that it could have been avoided if the West, in respect for Russia’s own security concerns, had been reaching an agreement regarding Ukraine remaining “neutral” (ie not NATO). If Mexico were to have a new government that cozied up to China and started having joint military exercises with them, the US would, through CIA driven unrest and a coup, or through military invasion, bring that process to an end.
Outstanding. To paraphrase JS Mill, always study your opponent's ideas from the source: you may learn something. As I carefully read Mr Kisin's precis-translation-commentary, I couldn't help thinking that if I had been born in post-war Russia rather than England, I would quite likely endorse, perhaps enthusiastically, many of the views presented by president Putin.
Still, there is such a thing as the truth of the matter, and it is not possible, in reason and conscience, to justify the slaughter of innocent Ukrainians as a response to Russian fear, resentment and envy.
Once again, thanks for the translation. Also once again, while I can't speak to Putin's intentions or his plans for Russia, I can find no fault in his assessment of the West, particularly the part about degeneracy.
Thank you very much for providing this translation. I find it very helpful in developing a deeper understanding. I presume on such addresses from any world leader to be crafted with political goals and to be vigorously scrutinized. Putin, of course, is to be expected to present ideas and interpretations of events in a one-sided manner. But I do believe that though he is selective in the points he raises, I believe that he does present his own views and motivations regarding the conflict with a fairly high degree of sincerity. It seemed obvious to me from the time Russia began preparing for the invasion that it could have been avoided if the West, in respect for Russia’s own security concerns, had been reaching an agreement regarding Ukraine remaining “neutral” (ie not NATO). If Mexico were to have a new government that cozied up to China and started having joint military exercises with them, the US would, through CIA driven unrest and a coup, or through military invasion, bring that process to an end.
Outstanding. To paraphrase JS Mill, always study your opponent's ideas from the source: you may learn something. As I carefully read Mr Kisin's precis-translation-commentary, I couldn't help thinking that if I had been born in post-war Russia rather than England, I would quite likely endorse, perhaps enthusiastically, many of the views presented by president Putin.
Still, there is such a thing as the truth of the matter, and it is not possible, in reason and conscience, to justify the slaughter of innocent Ukrainians as a response to Russian fear, resentment and envy.