Russian President Vladimir Putin called for the “self-purification” of “traitors” amid his ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
“The Russian people will always be able to distinguish true patriots from scum and traitors and simply spit them out like a fly that accidentally flew into their mouths,” Putin said Wednesday, per Fox News. “I am convinced that such a natural and necessary self-purification of society will only strengthen our country, our solidarity, cohesion and readiness to respond to any challenges.”
He went on to compare the West to Nazi Germany and accused Russians who oppose the war of having a “slave-like” mentality.
He also labeled the conflict “a struggle for our sovereignty, for the future of our country and our children.”
