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Russian President Vladimir Putin has addressed the Ukrainian army after launching an attack on the country.
Putin spoke as Russian forces continue to advance in Ukraine after he announced a 'special military operation' yesterday, February 24, and demanded that Ukraine's military lay down its arms.
More than 100 people, both civilians and soldiers, have died and dozens more have been injured as Ukraine attempts to fight back against Russia, which has targeted both major cities and military targets as part of its attack.
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During his speech today, Putin said he would like to direct his comments at 'the Ukrainian army men', saying, 'Do not let these nationalists use you, your women, your children, your elderly, use them as human shields. Take power into your own hands, it will be easier for us to reach agreement.'
He also claimed it would be 'so much easier to talk to you [the army], to negotiate with you than with this gang of Nazis that have captured Kyiv'.
'Also I would like to commend the efficiency of Russian armed forces; they have been acting honourably, heroically and they are effective and efficient at protecting the Russian people and their homeland,' the president continued.
Ukraine has 196,600 active military personnel across its forces, according to Sky News, marking a stark difference to Russia's 900,000 personnel.
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Putin's comments echoed the address he made just moments before the invasion yesterday, when he said the goal of the special military operation was the 'demilitarisation and de-Nazification of Ukraine'.
Putin also claimed that his plans did not include 'occupation of Ukrainian territory', saying Russia was 'not going to impose anything on anyone by force', but that anyone who considered interfering would 'face consequences greater than any you have faced in history'.
Following the invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered a general military mobilisation and banned all male citizens aged 18-60 years old from leaving the country, according to the State Border Guard Service, per CNN.
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He previously made clear that the Ukrainian army was ready to defend the country, saying, 'Only I and our army will know the clear steps regarding the defence of our state. And believe me, we are ready for anything.'
Earlier today, Zelensky addressed Ukrainian troops and told them, 'You are all we have,' as he accused Europe of not doing enough to help in the wake of the invasion.
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Topics: Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, World News, Volodymyr Zelensky
Emily Brown