"Putin's Warning to the West: Hands Off Russia, or Face Consequences"

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the World Russian People's Council, warned the West against meddling in Russia, stating that any foreign interference would be considered an act of aggression. Putin portrayed the conflict with Ukraine as a battle between sacred Russian civilization and a declining West, accusing the United States of wanting to dismember and exploit Russia's resources. He thanked Russian businessmen for evading Western sanctions and emphasized the importance of unity within Russia, cautioning against attempts to sow inter-ethnic and inter-religious discord. The upcoming presidential election campaign is expected to see Putin running for another term.