evidence: ‘No other option’: Excerpts of Putin’s speech declaring war [...] Watch the moment Russia's President Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine’s Donbas region, warning other nations of consequences if they interfere ⤵️ 🔴 LIVE updates: https://t.co/e7XVFng5Gu pic.twitter.com/C1966pOHsX — Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) February 24, 2022 "Respected citizens of Russia! Dear friends! [...] "The course of events and the incoming information show that Russia’s clash with these forces is inevitable. It is only a matter of time: they are getting ready, they are waiting for the right time. Now they also claim to acquire nuclear weapons. We will not allow this to happen."