Putin defends Russian war effort, blasts West for 'Russophobia'

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia would achieve its objectives in the "special military operation" in Ukraine. He accused the West of pursuing a campaign of "Russophobia" and attempting to undermine the country, according to a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

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We will achieve our goals and, together, do everything for victory - for Russia.

Addressing deputies in Moscow, Putin described the past five years as "difficult and exceptionally consequential," stating that "the fate and future of our people" had been at stake. "We will achieve our goals and, together, do everything for victory - for Russia," he said. He thanked lawmakers for their efforts to strengthen Russia's sovereignty and defend its national interests.

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The participants in the special military operation are heroically fighting for Russia and their homeland. They have the support of our entire nation and society.

Putin asserted that Russia had historically responded to external threats with national unity, a spirit he said was evident today. He accused Western countries of applying "double standards" by selectively invoking the UN Charter while ignoring national "self-determination." Claiming Western sanctions had failed, Putin said the West had "set its Russophobic machine running at full speed" since 2022, imposing record sanctions he described as ineffective.

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The West has set its Russophobic machine running at full speed.

The Russian president alleged that opponents, having failed to defeat Russia "on the battlefield," resorted to "outright terrorist methods" against the Russian people. "But the people of Russia can never be broken. They never have been - and they never will be," he said. Putin also defended Russia's political system, stating its institutions were built on "sovereign foundations" in accordance with the country's Constitution and were capable of repelling any hostile actions against the state.

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But the people of Russia can never be broken. They never have been - and they never will be.