Putin describes killing of Gaddafi as repulsive and accuses opponents of working with the West to destabilise country

Putin describes killing of Gaddafi as repulsive and accuses opponents of working with the West to destabilise country

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has given an incendiary TV interview accusing protest organisers of working to weaken Russia on orders from the West.

Putin, whose authority has been rocked by recent demonstrations against alleged vote fraud, told a call-in TV show: 'That's a well-organized pattern of destabilizing society.'

The strongman insisted that the 4 December parliamentary election which triggered Russia's biggest protests for 20 years was a genuine reflection of the people's will.

He even sought to put a good spin on the protests by saying they reflected a rise in public activity that he welcomes.

Last week, Putin dismissed criticism of the vote by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as part of American efforts to weaken Russia. Read More