Donetsk, Feb 21 — DAN. Donbass, in the conditions of blockade and constant artillery attacks by Ukraine has been waiting for Russia’s help since 2014, President Vladimir Putin said in his address to the Federal Assembly on Tuesday.

“Donbass has fought beginning from 2014, defending its right to live on its land and speak its native language; it fought and would not yield in the conditions of blockade and constant artillery attacks which the Kiev regime carried out with undisguised hate; it had faith and waited for Russia to come to help, ” Putin said.

The special military operation was started for the sake of protecting the people on Russia’s historical lands, national security and elimination of threats from the neo-Nazi Kiev regime.  “We’ll be solving the tasks we are facing step by step, accurately and consistently, ” the president said. *jk