Vladimir Putin has accused the western world of trying to 'cancel Russia' as he again claimed he had 'no other option' but to start the 'special military operation' in Ukraine.
In a fiery speech, the leader of the Kremlin said that the west were trying to achieve global dominance and hit out at them, claiming they didn't understand Russia and that Russia wouldn't stop.
Speaking in a televised address, Putin said: "'The West doesn't even bother to hide the fact that its aim is to damage the entire Russian economy, every Russian" by bringing in sanctions against the country for the illegal invasion.
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He told the Russian public that 'we are fighting for our sovereignty and the future of our children'.
He added that Ukraine had planned aggression against Russia that would have been backed by Western powers.
Earlier in the speech Mr Putin said Russia doesn't want to occupy Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian President has issued a direct plea to Joe Biden - urging his US counterpart to "be the leader of peace" against the Russian invasion.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the plea at the end of his speech to the US Congress on Wednesday.
Addressing the Congress virtually, Zelenskyy compared his nation’s daily aerial bombardment to Pearl Harbour and the September 11 attacks.
After playing a montage of the war so far which has seen millions forced to flee Ukraine, President Zelenskyy finished his speech in English with: "As the leader of my nation, I am addressing President Biden.
"You are the leader of the nation, of your great nation.
"I wish you to be the leader of the world (sic). Being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace."
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