Russia Accuses West of Trying to Weaken and Exploit Russia
• Putin accuses West of trying to "dismember and plunder" Russia • Calls Russia's invasion of Ukraine an "existential battle" against the West • Claims the West wants to destroy Russia and its status as an independent power • Says Russia is "defending the freedom" of itself and the whole world • Declares a "sovereign, strong Russia" is necessary for a "stable world order"