Washington has denied accusations of trying to break up Russia.
“I believe we are on the right track,” Putin said. We are protecting our national interests, the interests of our citizens and our people.”
He was asked what will happen if this geopolitical conflict with the West goes to a dangerous level? “I don’t think it’s that dangerous,” Putin said.
Putin believes that the West started this war by overthrowing the pro-Russian president of Ukraine through a popular revolution in 2014.
Soon after that revolution, Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine, and pro-Russian separatist groups engaged in a civil war with the country’s army in eastern Ukraine.
“Actually, the key here is the policy of our geopolitical adversary, which aims to dismember Russia, traditional Russia,” Putin said.
Putin also alleged that the West has been plotting to destroy Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. He said, in the end, Russia stood against the plot of the West.
Putin described Russia as a ‘unique country’ and said that the majority of the country’s (Russia) people united and wanted Russia’s protection.
“99.99 percent of the citizens of the mainland, our people are ready to give their all to protect the motherland. So nothing unusual for me here.
“It made me realize once again that Russia is a unique country and our citizens are exceptional people. It has ensured Russia’s existence throughout history.”