In the midst of an intensified hostile Western campaign against Russia over the Ukraine conflict, President Vladimir Putin claimed that some “ill-wishers” are trying to destabilize the country.
While Moscow claims that the United States and NATO are waging a proxy war in Ukraine against the nation, the West accuses Russia of waging an aggressive war against Ukraine.
When discussing “extremely important” issues pertaining to relations between Russia’s 190 ethnic groups, Putin instructed the Security Council of Russia to discuss security concerns.
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In order to ensure Russia’s security, specifically domestic political security, he added, “Today, we will also be addressing these issues.
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a “special military operation” in Ukraine with the stated goal of “demilitarizing” Donbas, which is made up of the Donetsk and Luhansk self-proclaimed republics.
Back in 2014, the two mainly Russian-speaking republics seceded from Ukraine, which prompted Kyiv to start a bloody war against both areas. More than 14,000 people have died in the conflict over the years, mostly in the Donbas.
Despite repeated warnings from the Kremlin that such actions would only prolong the war, the United States and its European allies have launched a wide range of unprecedented sanctions against Russia and poured numerous batches of cutting-edge weapons into Ukraine to assist its military in repelling Russian troops since the start of the conflict between the two countries.
Nevertheless, Japan’s ally and foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi argued on Friday that until Russia puts an end to the conflict in Ukraine, sanctions against it should be upheld by Japan and other like-minded nations.
Hayashi said at a press conference, “Given the circumstances, particularly what Russia is saying and doing, I think it is crucial that the Group of 7 and like-minded nations remain united and continue harsh sanctions against Russia.
He hoped that the sanctions would persuade Russia to “end its aggression as soon as possible so that we can reach a stage where we can use dialogue and peace talks.
Last month, leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries gathered in Hiroshima to renew their commitment to sanctions against Russia while pledging to do everything in their power to prevent their circumvention.
The G7 nations declared they would restrict the export of industrial equipment, tools, and technology helpful to Russia’s military endeavors as well as the country’s earnings from the trade in metals and diamonds.
However, Putin has urged Russia to come together in the face of “existential threats” from the West, but he has occasionally encountered hostility from ethnic groups who feel unfairly singled out by Moscow’s mobilization drive.
