Abkhaz Foreign Ministry supports Russian operation in Ukraine

SUKHUM. March 3 (Interfax) - The Foreign Ministry of Abkhazia has said that it views "Russia's desire to protect the civilian population of the Donetsk (DPR) and Luhansk (LPR) People's Republics and Ukraine" as fair.

"Even as the international situation has become more complicated, Abkhazia remains loyal to the principles of fraternity and friendship with Russia. In accordance with the decision adopted by the president of Abkhazia, our country has recognized the sovereignty of the DPR and the LPR. We are building respectful and equal relations with the new republics," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"Russians and Ukrainians who voiced their disagreement with the actions of the Ukrainian authorities were subject to undisguised violence, and mass crimes were committed against them," it said.

And today, "the collective West, using its network of non-governmental organizations in Europe and Russia, is trying to impose narratives such as 'I'm ashamed to be Russia' on a large number of people, actively using social media and figures of culture and show business," the ministry said.

"These days, it is important to support Russia's fair desire to protect the civilian population of the DPR, LPR and Ukraine. Every voice counts," it said.

In the early hours of February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of a special military operation in Ukraine. Western countries responded to it by imposing sweeping sanctions on Russia.