Putin Condemns 'Illegitimate Sanctions' Imposed on Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the "illegitimate sanctions" imposed by the West during a pre-recorded video message at an economic conference in South Africa. Putin focused on the war in Ukraine and the halting of an international grain deal, which has led to missile and drone strikes on the city of Odesa. The move to withdraw from the deal has been criticized for impacting global grain supplies. The war in Ukraine is ongoing, with the White House stating that it is not a stalemate. Putin is also under scrutiny following reports of the death of Wagner mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash, with President Biden suggesting Putin could be responsible.