Russian foreign minister warns western sanctions aimed at forcing 'regime change' in Moscow

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that western sanctions against Russia are aimed at bringing a regime change in Moscow.

Lavrov referred to sanctions saying that it would destroy the country's economy and cause public protests.

Lavrov's statement came as he spoke to policy advisers in Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow must guard against a "colour evolution", reported the BBC.

Western sanctions were first imposed after Russia annexed Crimea in March this year.