Putin criticises the West as he defends Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Putin has frequently justified his invasion of Ukraine by accusing western countries of threatening Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives to give his annual state of the nation address in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Picture: Dmitry Astakhov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused western countries of igniting and sustaining the war in Ukraine – dismissing any blame for Moscow almost a year after the Kremlin’s unprovoked invasion of its neighbour.

In his long-delayed state-of-the-nation address, Mr Putin cast Russia — and Ukraine — as victims of western double-dealing and said Russia, not Ukraine, is the one fighting for its very existence.