Putin: Russia must strengthen its defenses in response to 'NATO aggression'
Speaking in front of the State Duma, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia must increase its combat readiness in response to “the aggressive actions of NATO along the Russian borders”, Evropeyskaya Pravda reported.
Putin criticized the West for its unwillingness to build a “modern, non-aligned system of collective security” with Russia.
"Russia is open to discussing this important issue and has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to engage in dialogue, but, as happened on the eve of World War II, we do not see a positive response,” Putin stated.
"On the contrary, NATO intensifies its aggressive rhetoric and its aggressive actions near our borders. In these conditions, we must pay special attention to the tasks of strengthening the defense capability of our country,” the Russian President added.
As a result of Russia’s annexation of the Crimea and its involvement in the war in eastern Ukraine, NATO began to strengthen its presence in Poland and the Baltic States.