[Updated from time to time] President Putin's speech Declaration of annexation of four provinces of Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin began his speech at the Moscow Kremlin at 9 p.m. Japan time on the 30th.

He unilaterally announced the annexation of four provinces to Russia: Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, Zaporizhia in the southeast, and Kherson in the south.

We will keep you updated on President Putin's speech.

"I will sign a treaty on the annexation of the four states"

Putin said about four eastern and southern Ukraine provinces: “The referendum was held and the results are already known. I will sign it," he said.

"Residents of the eastern Donbass region have expressed their will."

“The people of the eastern Donbass region have made their voices heard. We want the Ukrainian government to listen. The people of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhia will forever be Russian citizens,” he said. .

"We urge you to return to the negotiating table."

"Ukraine should respect the choice of the people of the four provinces and this is the only way to peace. We urge Ukraine to call for an immediate ceasefire and return to the negotiating table," he said. I unilaterally asked to respond to negotiations.