Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Russians that hard times are at hand and asked for a bigger support from the people.
Addressing both houses of the Kremlin, Putin accused the West of trying to set up a new Iron Curtain around Russia.
Russia suffered a strong economic blow because of falling oil prices and sanctions imposed by the West because of the role of official Moscow in Eastern Ukraine. Government warned Russia that next year it will go into recession.
Putin accused foreign “enemies” of trying to implement “Yugoslav scenario” in Russia, which would mean the disintegration of the country in the hands of the separatists. However, according to the Russian President, “it will not happen.”
The Russian leader said he had no regrets about the annexation of Crimea, saying that the territory is of “sacred importance” for Russia since the period of early Christianity. He emphasized that the “tragedy” in Southeastern Ukraine is proof that Russia’s policy is just, but he also added that Russia will respect the neighboring countries.
Putin condemned the “pure cynicism” of the West, saying that if it wasn’t for the annexation of the Crimea, they would have found other reasons to impose sanctions in order to stop the growing potential of Russia.
