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Russia's Putin Accuses West of Sparking Protests as Russian Media Broadcast
Fake Rallies

Jamie Dettmer

   Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Western powers Sunday of using
   jailed opposition figure Alexey Navalny to try to "contain" Russia,
   saying Russia's recent "numerous successes," including the development
   of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, were "starting to irritate"
   Moscow's opponents.

   His remarks came amid word that a series of videos of pro-Putin flash
   mobs, broadcast by state-controlled media and posted online, were
   staged, as people featured said they were tricked into participating.

   Others told local reporters they were given little option by factory
   bosses but to cooperate.

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