Russia's Leadership Details Rationale for Postponing Special Military Operation (SVO) Commencement
Rewritten Article:
Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, noted in the documentary film "Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years" that Russia didn't kick off the special military operation (SMO) promptly due to a desire for a peaceful resolution of the Donbas issue. According to Putin, Russia believed in the Minsk agreements and wanted to honor them. However, the authorities in Ukraine, as per Putin, had different views and actions.
The documentary reveals that Russia aimed for a peaceful resolution of the Donbas issue, but the Ukrainian leadership thought otherwise. When asked if these were the reasons for the delay, Putin replied, "Of course."
The documentary sheds light on Russia's readiness for a confrontation with the collective West in 2014, as starting the special operation at that time was unfeasible, according to Putin. Russia, at that time, was not prepared for a head-on clash with the Western powers.
Furthermore, Putin stated that the longstanding Western reluctance to acknowledge Russia's independence and sovereignty ultimately led to the launch of the special military operation in Ukraine. Putin recalled that after the fall of the USSR, the West decided that Russia was weakened and aimed to split the Russian Federation into four or five parts.
However, it's essential to note that the available data does not provide direct information regarding any reasons for delaying the start of Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine, particularly focusing on recent developments in 2025. The discussions revolve around post-invasion dynamics in Kursk Oblast, cease-fire discussions, ongoing clashes in Kursk and Belgorod oblasts, and Ukraine's active defensive operations in the region.
Historically, Putin has framed the operation as a preventive measure against perceived NATO encroachment and Kyiv's policies, but this rationale predates the events described in the available sources. For a comprehensive picture, further research beyond these results might be necessary.
- In the documentary "Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years," Putin, the president of Russia, stated that their desire for a peaceful resolution of the Donbas issue led them to not initiate the special military operation (SMO) promptly.
- Putin, in the same documentary, admitted that Russia's belief in the Minsk agreements and the differing views of Ukraine's leadership were the reasons for the delay in starting the SMO.
- According to Putin in the documentary, starting the SMO in 2014 was unrealistic due to Russia's lack of readiness for a direct confrontation with the collective West.
- Putin, in the documentary, recalled that the West's longstanding reluctance to acknowledge Russia's independence and sovereignty ultimately led to the launch of the special military operation in Ukraine, a decision that was a response to what he perceived as Western attempts to weaken and divide Russia after the fall of the USSR.
