Day 59: Russia Invasion of Ukraine Only 'A Beginning,' Zelenskyy Says; Russia Suggests Permanent Occupation
The Facts
In an address on Fri., Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia's invasion was only "a beginning", alleging that neighboring countries will be next.
"This only confirms what I have said many times," he said. That "the Russian invasion of Ukraine was intended only as a beginning, then they want to capture other countries."
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
This invasion is an egregious violation of international law. Putin's ultimate aim is to restore the Soviet empire, even if it takes massive bloodshed and false pretexts such as calling the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after a fraudulent election a "coup". This unprovoked attack is the latest chapter in Putin's Orwellian attempt to rewrite history.
Pro-Russia narrative
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking its promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.