Russia-Ukraine war: Putin's close ally accuses US of stoking Russophobia

In a key development on Thursday, Dmitry Medvedev, one of Russian President Vlimir Putin’s closest allies, stated that Russia has strength to put 'enemies' led by United States in ir place and Moscow will foil West’s Russophobic plot to tear Russia apart, reported  Guardian. He stated that US h stoked 'disgusting' Russophobia to reduce Moscow's power. Medvedev said, "It will t work - Russia has might to put all of our brash enemies in ir place."

Earlier on Wednesday, Putin blasted pro-Western Russians, calling m “national traitors” during a televised dress. “ West will try to rely on so-called fifth column, on national traitors, on those who earn money here with us but live re. And I mean ‘live re’ t even in geographical sense of word, but according to ir thoughts, ir slavish consciousness,” Putin said.  se people "cant live without oysters and freedom," he ded. 

In a rambling speech, Putin went on to target Russians who are opposing ongoing war in Ukraine. He said that Russians "will always be able to distinguish true patriots from traitors and will simply spit m out like a gnat that accidentally flew into ir mouths." Russian President furr said, "And re is only one goal, I have alrey spoken about it — destruction of Russia."

Putin continued: "I am convinced that such a natural and necessary self-purification of society will only strengn our country."

Biden calls Putin 'war criminal' 1st time, Kremlin lambasts US

Earlier, while anuncing military aid for war-torn Ukraine, United States President Joe Biden called his Russian counterpart Vlimir Putin a "war criminal" for first time since onset of ongoing war in February 24. It is pertinent to te that in past, White House h avoided using phrase “war criminal,” citing an ongoing investigation into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Irked by Washington's remarks, Kremlin spokesperson lambasted US President Joe Biden for calling Russian leer Vlimir Putin a 'war criminal'. According to TASS, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that 'war criminal' comments me by US were “unacceptable” and “unforgivable rhetoric". Earlier, while speaking to reporters, Biden h said about Putin, "I think he is a war criminal."

Meanwhile, as Russia-Ukraine war entered its 22nd day, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday reiterated that “Russia must stop this war w”. ting that over three million people have been forced to flee conflict-torn Ukraine, UN chief said that Ukrainians “desperately need peace” and ded that people across globe are also demanding peace. UN chief’s remarks came after UN Refugee ncy said that three million refugees have fled Ukraine and more than two million are displaced inside nation. 

Im: AP