Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed the West for trying to "tear apart" Moscow, according to an interview to be aired on national television later Sunday.
"At the core of it all is the policy of our geopolitical opponents aiming to tear apart Russia, historical Russia," Putin said. "They have always tried to 'divide and conquer'... Our goal is something else -- to unite the Russian people."
Putin highlighted the concept of "historical Russia" to affirm that Ukrainians and Russians are one people.
"We are acting in the right direction, we are protecting our national interests, the interests of our citizens, of our people," the Russian leader indicated.
The president repeated claims that Moscow was "ready to negotiate with all participants in this process (to find) an acceptable solution" to the conflict.
In his first trip outside Ukraine since the Russian military operation began in February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earned firm pledges of support from U.S. President Joe Biden, including the Pentagon's most advanced air defence system.
"Of course, we will destroy it, 100 percent!" Putin said, referring to the Patriot missile battery promised to Zelenskyy.
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