Putin to run for re-election as independent, warns US not to use force against N. Korea

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced he will run for reelection for his fourth term on March 18 as an independent, since, he said, he was more popular than his United Russia party. Talking and answering questions for four hours on a broad range of issues before 1,600 local and foreign journalists, Putin said that US investigations into alleged Russian interference and possible collusion by the Trump campaign was the result of “infighting” that damaged the “domestic political situation.” These allegations, he said, were “invented by people who are opposed to Trump to make his work illegitimate.” Trump indicated during the campaign that he wanted to mend badly strained ties with Russia but was prevented from doing so, according to the Russian president..
Putin also attacked his political opponents at home as “out to destabilize Russia.” He then warned the United States against using force against North Korea, saying the consequences would be “catastrophic.” He again charged that the US had “provoked” Pyongyang but voiced hope that the Russia and the US can work together to neutralize the threat posed by North Korea. He added Moscow and Washington had many common interests, citing the Middle East, North Korea and international terrorism.