MOSCOW - Russia is involved in a historic effort to defend its civilization, President Vladimir Putin said on June 1, vowing to protect the interests of the Russian community abroad as violence again escalated in Ukraine.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Washington Post: Putin vows to defend Russian interests as Ukraine violence again escalates
Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) speaks during his meeting with Russian ambassadors, envoys and diplomats at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Moscow, on July 1, 2014, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) listening.
