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

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the World Russian People's Council alongside the head of Russia's Orthodox church, warned the West against meddling in Russia, stating that any foreign interference would be considered an act of aggression. Putin portrayed the conflict in Ukraine as a battle between sacred Russian civilization and a declining West, and accused the West of racist Russophobia and wanting to dismember and plunder Russia's resources. He emphasized the importance of unity among the Russian people and praised Russian businessmen for evading Western sanctions. Putin is expected to run for re-election in March 2024.