Vladimir Putin warned the West about imposing sanctions on Russia, saying the measures created to cripple Russia's economy were "similar to an act of war."
In comments that were threatening, the Russian president also told Ukrainian leaders that their nation was in danger of disintegrating as an independent sovereign state if they continued to resist Russian occupation. "The current leadership must understand that if they continue to do what they are doing, they are jeopardizing Ukraine's future," Putin said. "If that happens, they will have to be blamed."
In his statement, Putin hinted that the conflict could soon spread beyond Ukraine.
Later, the Russian Foreign Ministry specifically singled out the United Kingdom for what it called the "sanctions hysteria" and its prominent role in supporting Ukraine. Maria Zakharova, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, said Russia would not forget the UK's cooperation with Kiev.
Referring to Ukraine's request to NATO to suspend flights over Ukraine - which NATO has refused - Putin added: "Fulfilling this request would have catastrophic consequences not only for Europe but for the whole world."
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