Panama Papers: Putin attacks leak as part of Western efforts to weaken Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin denied Thursday having any links to offshore accounts and described the Panama Papers document leaks scandal as part of Western efforts to weaken Russia.
Putin, speaking Thursday at a media forum in St. Petersburg, says even though his name didn't figure in any of the documents leaked from a Panamanian law firm, Western media pushed the claims of his involvement in offshore businesses.
"Our opponents are above all concerned by the unity and consolidation of the Russian nation, our multi-national Russian people.
They are attempting to rock us from within, to make us more obedient," he said.
"So they've created an information product."
Putin described the allegations as part of the U.S.-led disinformation campaign waged against Russia in order to weaken its government.
Putin, speaking Thursday at a media forum in St. Petersburg, says even though his name didn't figure in any of the documents leaked from a Panamanian law firm, Western media pushed the claims of his involvement in offshore businesses.
"Our opponents are above all concerned by the unity and consolidation of the Russian nation, our multi-national Russian people.
They are attempting to rock us from within, to make us more obedient," he said.
"So they've created an information product."
Putin described the allegations as part of the U.S.-led disinformation campaign waged against Russia in order to weaken its government.