Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken out against the risks of “speculating on Russia's current difficulties,” in the run-up to the general election.
Speaking at the annual United Russia party conference, Putin said that although criticism of the government was both “necessary and very important,” politicians who wanted to come to power “at any cost” could not be tolerated by Russian society.
“I am talking about lies and the distortion of facts, about the direct betrayal of the interests of this country, and about empty, unsubstantiated promises which are worse than any treason,” he said. “I am speaking about the desire to destabilize and divide society and to break through to power, at all costs. This is too dangerous to be allowed. We must do everything possible to stop such things happening.”
The 2016 United Russia party conference began yesterday in Moscow. The meeting is being used by the party to put forward its list of candidates for the upcoming State Duma Elections on September 18.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
