Putin says certain ‘Ill-wishers’ are trying to destabilize Russia

President Vladimir Putin has said that certain "ill-wishers" are attempting to destabilize Russia, amid a heightened hostile Western campaign against the country over the Ukraine conflict. 

The West accuses Russia of fighting a war of aggression against Ukraine while Moscow says the United States and NATO are fighting a proxy war against the country in Ukraine.  

Putin aid Russia's Security Council would discuss security issues in the context of "extremely important" issues concerning relations between Russia's 190 ethnic groups.

"Today, we will also be addressing these issues in terms of ensuring Russia's security, in this case domestic political security," he said.

Sanctions on Russia must be maintained: Japan 

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi of Japan, a US ally, said on Friday that Japan and like-minded countries should be united and maintain sanctions against Russia until it ends the war in Ukraine.

"Judging by the situation and especially what Russia is saying and doing, I think it is important that the Group of 7 and like-minded countries remain united and continue severe sanctions against Russia," Hayashi told a press conference.

He hoped that the sanctions will encourage Russia to "end its aggression as soon as possible so that we can reach a stage where we can use dialogue and peace talks."

MG