Putin: Russia Can Only Exist as a Strong and Independent Nation

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on June 28 (local time) that the country is going through a difficult period in relation to the external environment, including the war in Ukraine.

According to TASS news agency, President Putin said in a speech at an event for the ruling United Russia party, "Russia can only exist as a strong and independent state, or it will not exist at all."

President Putin pointed out that "Russia is under harsh and unprecedented pressure from Western elites," adding that the West is attempting to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, destabilize its political situation, and incite unrest.

This appears to be an assessment of the current situation, where Russia is experiencing energy shortages and the destruction of various infrastructure following a series of large-scale drone strikes by Ukraine.

President Putin also criticized Ukraine, claiming it "targets civilians and civilian facilities, and openly recruits insurgents within our country to carry out sabotage and terrorist acts."

President Putin emphasized, "Russia has always been a great power and has triumphed thanks to national unity," adding, "Those who envy us try to undermine, weaken, and sow doubt in our unity, but they will never succeed."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.