Russian President Vladimir Putin said Western countries have failed in their efforts to defeat Russia militarily or destabilize it politically.

Axar.az reports, citing Russian media, speaking at the United Russia party's pre-election congress, Putin said the West continues to exert pressure on Russia but has been unable to achieve what he described as a strategic defeat.

"They cannot inflict a strategic defeat on us, they cannot defeat us on the battlefield," Putin said. "They are trying to shake up the political situation and sow internal unrest — that is not working either."

He added that Russia remains committed to defending its core national interests, saying the country "stands firmly on its feet" and is prepared to fight for those interests.