As I mentioned, the latest polls in Russia show significant support: something like 74% of people support this war, and it is on all levels throughout the country. This is what the Russian regime, and a total lack of democratic procedures established in Russia in the last 15 years.... In comparison to Ukraine, which is a democratic country with free elections, a free press and an active civil society...Russia does not have these instruments. This is one of the things that afforded Putin the chance to provide this kind of war. These—
On May 2nd, 2022. See this statement in context.