“The collapse of Western hegemony that has begun is irreversible” – Putin says as he announces annexation of four Ukrainian territories

Russian President, Vladimir Putin said four occupied Ukrainian regions will become part of Russia “forever,” during his Kremlin speech on Friday September 30, announcing the illegal annexations.

“I want the Kyiv authorities and their real masters in the West to hear me. For everyone to remember. People living in Luhansk and Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia are becoming our citizens. Forever,” the Russian leader told guests in St. George’s Hall, the opulent Kremlin venue for the event.

In his speech, Putin also accused Western leaders of trying to “weaken and destroy” Russia, while giving his version of a Russian history lesson.

“The West has been looking for and continues to look for a new chance to weaken and destroy Russia, which they have always dreamed of splitting our state, pitting peoples against each other.”

He added that “the collapse of Western hegemony that has begun is irreversible.”

“Russia has 4 new regions – People’s choice to join Russia is predicated on history – Those who’ve fallen in special military operation are heroes of great Russia”

“It will no longer be like before,” Putin said.

“The battlefield to which fate and history have called us is the battlefield for our people, for great historical Russia.”

“West wants to see Russia as its colony, to plunder its natural resources & exploit Russians as a crowd of soulless slaves”

“We’re witnessing sheer satanism in West – Do we want our children to be offered operations on sex changes? It’s unacceptable! – Our future is different. We’re fighting for a great, historic Russia”

The ceremony to annex four occupied regions, which make up almost a fifth of Ukraine’s territory, came after referendums held by Russian-backed officials in eastern and southern Ukraine The votes are illegal under international law and have been dismissed by Ukraine and Western nations as “a sham.”

Putin said those taking part in what the Kremlin calls its “special operation” in Ukraine are “heroes.”

“There is nothing stronger than the determination of these people to return to their true historical fatherland,” he said.

He also called on Ukraine to “cease fire” immediately and “sit down at the negotiating table.”

“But we will not negotiate the choice of the people. It has been made. Russia will not betray it.”