Putin Vows to Rid Russia of ‘Traitors’ While Waging Ukraine War
- ‘Self-cleansing’ of society will strengthen Russia, Putin said
- Thousands fled Russia after president ordered war on Ukraine
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President Vladimir Putin warned he would cleanse Russia of the “scum and traitors” he accuses of working covertly for the U.S. and its allies, as the government steps up pressure on domestic critics of his war against Ukraine.
Facing economic meltdown three weeks into the invasion, the Russian leader accused the West of wanting to destroy Russia in a televised video conference laced with dark undertones.