This Video Does Not Show Russia Declaring War
The Claim
The Kremlin announced a short while ago: Russia is at war now and everyone needs to understand that.
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Emerging story
Recently, a video has gone viral on social media platform X purporting to show Russia declaring a state of war, featuring Russian military gatherings.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be misleading. The video in question originates from a speech delivered by Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 72nd Victory Day celebrations in Moscow in 2017.
2017 Moscow Victory Day Parade
The video captures scenes from Russia's commemoration of the 72nd Victory Day, held on May 9, 2017, at Red Square in Moscow. During this event, Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in ceremonies marking the 72nd anniversary of the victory over Germany in World War II (1941-1945). In his speech on that occasion, President Putin emphasized the capability of the Russian armed forces to effectively counter any potential acts of aggression.
The Russian military formations were present during President Putin's speech at the event.
Russia Officially Announces It Is at War With Ukraine
The spread of this allegation coincides with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov's announcement on Friday, March 22, that Russia is currently engaged in a state of war in Ukraine, attributing this development to the interference of Western countries.
Peskov pointed out that the attack on Ukraine was initially a special military operation by Russia. However, as soon as the collective West became a participant on Ukraine’s side, for us it already became a war.
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine
On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special "military operation" to protect Donbas in eastern Ukraine. Subsequently, he announced the annexation of Ukrainian territories, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, into Russia by the end of September. This was followed by the deployment of Russian Armed Forces into multiple regions along the Ukraine border.
According to Human Rights Watch, Russia's attacks have resulted in the killing and injuring of civilians, as well as causing damage to civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and residential buildings. Within the first week of the war, over a million individuals in Ukraine had fled their homes, with many seeking refuge outside of the country.
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