Putin Issues Broadside At West, Praises Erdogan, Talks Up China Trade

A slew of comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin hitting headlines, accusing the West of seeking the break-up of Russia, and arguing that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was intended to prevent this.

• Putin: The west has cultivated the idea of our country breaking up for decades...It is regrettable that Ukraine is used to this end...we started our 'special military operation' in order to prevent this. That is our main goal...We see attempts to do harm to Russian infrastructure...We will respond more seriously if the is more danger to Russia and will do everything not to allow negative developments...attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure were a warning.
• Putin: We will see how Kyiv's counter-offensive will develop...No need to change plan on 'special military operation'...main goal is to 'liberate' the entire Donbas region...further strikes on Ukraine could be more serious...Russian army gradually takes up new territories, we are not in a hurry, the main goal does not change.
• Putin: Turkey's Erdogan has always proposed meeting with Zelenskyy...Erdogan makes significant contribution in solving Ukraine crisis...Zelenskyy has said that he is not ready for talks...
• Putin: Meeting with China's Xi was a usual one. We discussed additional measures to boost trade with China. Transition to national currencies in dealings with China taking longer than hoped.