Simonyan: Russia Invaded Ukraine to Prevent Colonization; New Justification Emerges

Margarita Simonyan, a top Kremlin propagandist, offered a novel justification for Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, claiming it was to prevent Ukraine from colonizing Russia. This marks a shift in official narrative, which has previously cited NATO expansion, denazification, and protection of Donbas. The statement signals continued efforts to reframe the war's rationale amid ongoing conflict.