It comes as the Ukrainian's kamikaze strike caused an electricity substation to go up in flames after an explosion when the drone hit near the village of Pogar. Other explosions hit in the area of administrative buildings. Regional governor, Alexander Bogomaz, confirmed \u201cthe power supply was disrupted\u201d.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/incoming\/article31071051.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_Ukrainian-soldiers-in-Donetsk-Oblast.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Each territory is still legally part of a sovereign Ukraine under international law. It's as Putin claims he acted to restore \u201csomething every person values, namely culture, traditions, and mother tongue\u201d among mainly Russian-speaking people.<\/p>\n
This was \u201ceverything that was loathed by nationalists and their Western patrons who orchestrated a coup in Kyiv in 2014 and then unleashed a full-scale civil war and terror against dissenters and organised blockades, constant shelling, and punitive actions in Donbas\u201d.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/incoming\/article31071048.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/1_UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CONFLICT-WAR.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Seeking to justify his war, he vowed: \u201cNothing and no-one can break the will of millions of people, or their belief in truth and historical justice. The free and unequivocal choice of our brothers and sisters was wholeheartedly supported by the Russian people.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe understood and deeply felt the most important thing: by defending our compatriots in Donbas and Novorossiya, we are defending Russia itself. Together, we are fighting for the Motherland, for our sovereignty, spiritual values, unity, and victory."<\/p>\n
He went onto thank "all the citizens of the country for this solidarity and patriotism.\u201d Despite plunging Russia and Ukraine into a debilitating 19-month war in which hundreds of thousands have perished, the dictator claimed he was \u201cbuilding our common future together". He said this included rebuilding and building schools and hospitals, housing and roads, museums and memorial sites.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/incoming\/article31071050.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/1_Russia-Putin-23273257881534.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Putin, speaking with an unexplained blotch on his forehead, thanked people in the newly-grabbed regions \u201cfor preserving and passing on your love for the Fatherland to your children despite all the trials". He claimed: \u201cThanks to you, your fortitude and determination, Russia has become even stronger. We are one people, and together we can overcome anything and meet any challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u200cFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking<\/i> <\/b> here.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n