Putin says West trying to 'tear apart' Russia

The West is trying to "tear apart "Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on national television on Sunday, warning that Patriot air defense systems would be destroyed if the United States provides them to Ukraine.

Putin used the concept of "historical Russia" to argue that Ukrainians and Russians are one people during his interview with Rossiya-1 television, and said the 10-month "special military operation" aimed to "unite the Russian people".

He said Russia's geopolitical opponents were "aiming to tear apart Russia, historical Russia".

"Divide and conquer, that's what they have always sought to accomplish and are still seeking to do. But our goal is different, it's to unite the Russian people."

Putin declared his government was acting "in the right direction …protecting our national interests, the interests of our citizens, of our people".

He repeated that Moscow was ready to negotiate and appeared unfazed when asked about the new air defense system the US will deliver to Ukraine.

Last Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Washington at the invitation of US President Joe Biden. During his visit, the US announced a new assistance package worth $1.85 billion, which included the Patriot air defense system.

"Of course, we will destroy it, 100 percent," Putin said, adding that Ukraine does not yet have these systems.

Earlier last week, Putin noted that "the Patriot is a fairly outdated system", and that an "antidote" to these systems will be found.

On the battlefield, the Russian military reported on Monday that it shot down a Ukrainian drone approaching an air base deep inside Russia, the second time the air base has been targeted this month.

Russia's Defense Ministry said the incident took place early on Monday, and three servicemen were killed by debris at the Engels air base that houses strategic bombers that have been involved in launching strikes on Ukraine.