PUTIN DEFENDS THE INVASION OF UKRAINE IN A RIVER-WAY SPEECH AGAINST THE WEST
(Reuters) – Russian leader Vladimir Putin reiterated his determination to continue his “special operation” in Ukraine during a lengthy speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday.
He accused the West of colonial arrogance and wanted to crush his country with “stupid” sanctions that never had a chance to work.
“We are a strong people and can face any challenge. Like our ancestors, we will solve all problems, the whole thousand-year history of our country testifies to this,” said Vladimir Putin.
Western allies imposed the toughest round of economic sanctions on Russia for any country in modern history over the February 24 invasion of Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin has said the European Union could lose more than $400 billion from sanctions, which the Russian president said would backfire on those who imposed them.
Russia is not to blame for the current surge in grain prices, stressed Vladimir Putin, who accused the United States of driving up food prices by “rotating the printing press” and “monopolizing” food on world markets.
For Vladimir Putin, the United States considers itself “God’s emissary on earth”, Washington and its allies are trying to “change the course of history” in order to weaken a sovereign and independent Russia.
(Reuters report, French version Laetitia Volga, edited by)