Russian people ‘united as never before’, Putin tells SCO leaders in first international event since Wagner mutiny
- President Vladimir Putin thanks Shanghai Cooperation Organisation colleagues ‘for supporting the Russian leadership’
- Moscow will continue to resist provocation, he vows, hitting back against ‘illegitimate sanctions’ and external forces waging a ‘hybrid war’
“Our country is continuing its steady development. The Russian people are consolidated and united as never before, highly responsible for the destiny of their country,” Putin told the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, attended via video link by the leaders of China, India, Pakistan, Iran and four Central Asian countries.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues at the SCO for supporting the Russian leadership to protect our constitution, social order and the safety of our nationals,” Putin said.
As external forces had started a “hybrid war” and imposed “illegitimate sanctions” on Russia, the country would “continue to resist external pressure, sanctions and provocation”, he vowed.
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Putin calls Wagner revolt a betrayal as militia group leader denies mobilisation was coup attempt
Chinese President Xi Jinping also referred to “external intervention” when he addressed the summit earlier.
