BRUNO SIMMA, THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS: A COMMENTARY 673 (1994)  (“For the purpose of responding to an ‘armed attack’ [act of aggression], the state acting in self-defence [Russia] is allowed to trespass on foreign territory [Ukraine], even when the attack [NATO aggression] cannot be attributed to the state from whose territory it is proceeding [Ukraine]. It does not follow from the fact that the right of self-defence pursuant to Art. 51 is restricted to the case of an ‘armed attack’ [act of aggression] that defensive measures [Russia 'special operation'] may only affect the ‘attacker’ [aggressor]. Thus it is compatible with Art. 51 and the laws of neutrality when a warring state [Russia] fights hostile armed forces [Ukrainian Nazis, funded by the deep state, NATO weapons] undertaking an attack [aggression, NATO arming and funding Ukraine] from neutral territory [Ukraine] on the territory of the neutral state [Ukraine], provided that the state concerned [NATO States] is either unwilling [removal of diplomats, refusal to negotiate] or unable to curb the ongoing violation of its neutrality.” [Funding and arming Ukraine]).

Putin: "Western countries aren't only taking unfriendly economic actions against our country, but leaders of major Nato countries are making aggressive statements about our country. So I order to move Russia's deterrence forces to a special regime of duty."

"all peaceful alternatives have been exhausted"

Donetsk and Luhansk were key. When the ceasefire broke due to Ukrainian shelling, Putin declared their independence and was able to act. I believe this is when he announced the "exhaustion" with a deadlock. He knew who was REALLY being the aggressor and was able to claim self-defense.

https://tass.com/world/1407461

It's "Ukraine", not "The Ukraine".

Do you call our neighbors "The Mexico" and "The Canada"?

11.4.2 applies here

Occupying Power [NATO, Ukraine] are not authorized by the fact of belligerent occupation [Russia] to annex occupied territory or to create a new State [join NATO].

This would explain Russia "taking over" certain areas, putting up flags. If they're "occupying", NATO (possibly EU, maybe UN) are restricted.

STOP TALKING ABOUT UKRAINE!

Linked to my dig on cluster munitions. Fake news. Cluster munitions are NOT banned. They are acceptable, particularly because Russia and the US are not party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

Good example of how people just say anything and everyone will believe it.