Putin accuses West of meddling in Russian politics

President Vladimir Putin accused the West on Wednesday of meddling in Russian politics, telling a parliamentary campaign rally that opponents at home and abroad want to weaken Russia. "Those who confront us need a weak and ill state," Putin said in strongly worded remarks as he urged Russian to support the dominant Kremin-backed party. "They want to have a divided society, in order to do their deeds behind its back."