Russia didn't start combat activities, it's concluding them - Defense Ministry

MOSCOW. Feb 28 (Interfax) - The Russian Federation did not start the combat activities in Donbas but is bringing them to an end, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said at a press briefing on Monday.

"Combat activities on the part of the Kyiv regime and the systemic extermination of Donbas residents have continued for eight years. Over 14,000 people, [including] hundreds of children, have died in this war. This had to be ended. There was a need to put an end to unending threats on the part of the Kyiv regime to Russia. And Russia will do that," Konashenkov said.