Jakarta –
Russian President Vladimir Put in criticize the West. He claimed the West was trying to “destroy” Russia and said his attack on Ukraine was aimed at “uniting the Russian people”.
Meanwhile in Kiev, a day after the deadly shooting in southern Ukraine, residents held a Christmas service on Sunday local time, in defiance of Russia’s spiritual leaders who celebrate it on January 7.
Putin has used the concept of “historic Russia” to argue that Ukrainians and Russians are one of the people undermining Kiev’s sovereignty and justifying a 10-month attack on Ukraine.
“Russia’s geopolitical opponents (are) aiming to tear Russia apart, historical Russia,” Putin said in excerpts from an interview to be aired on Sunday evening on AFP, Monday (12/26/2022).
“Divide and conquer, this is what they have always wanted to achieve and still want to do,” Putin added.
“But our goal is different: to unite the Russian people,” he said.
Putin said his government is acting “in the right direction, protecting our national interests, the interests of our citizens, of our people,” he explained.
He reiterated that Moscow was ready to negotiate and appeared unmoved when asked about the new air defense system the United States would be sending to Ukraine.
“Of course we will destroy it, 100%!” Putin said, referring to the Patriot missile battery promised to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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