Ukraine started it by blowing up the Crimea bridge, and not supplying water is genocide, says President Putin

Vladimir Putin has sought to justify Russian mass missile strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure by claiming the 'Ukrainians started it' by blowing up a Russian-held bridge to Crimea.

Speaking earlier today at a grandiose Kremlin reception to recognise several Russian servicemen as 'Heroes of Russia' for their efforts in Ukraine, the Russian president told reporters: 'There is a lot of noise now about our strikes on the energy infrastructure [of Ukraine]. Yes, we are doing it.

'But who started it? Who struck the Crimean bridge?' Putin quipped, clutching a glass of champagne as he shuffled awkwardly from side to side, looking unsteady on his feet.

'Who is not providing water to Donetsk? Not providing water to a city with one million population is an act of genocide.'

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