Putin warns after his victory of a conflict that will lead to World War III. Putin considers his victory a confirmation of the Russians’ confidence in his leadership.
Putin confirmed for the first time that deceased Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was scheduled to be released in a prisoner exchange. He said that he had previously given his approval to exchange Navalny for Russian prisoners held by the West. Putin painted a picture of Russia that was “strengthened’ by his victory and would not allow it to be “intimidated” by its opponents.