Putin challenges NATO: "You are not a threat"

On Thursday, the Russian president declared that NATO in no way represents a "threat" to Moscow, claiming his country has the necessary "defence capabilities" to confront it.

The North Atlantic Alliance, soon to hold a summit in The Hague (Netherlands), is encouraging its member states to increase security spending. But, according to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, who spoke to journalists in Saint Petersburg, "we do not consider any NATO rearmament as a threat to the Russian Federation, because we are self-sufficient in terms of security". He added: "We are constantly improving our armed forces and defence capabilities."

All threats will be countered

The Russian leader does admit, however, that an increase in defence spending by NATO members to 5% of their GDP will create "specific" challenges for Russians. "We will counter all threats that arise. There is no doubt about that," he stated.

Furthermore, Vladimir Putin praised the daily progress of his army on the front line, facing Ukrainians who are outnumbered.

(MH with Manon Pierre - Source: 20 Minutes - Illustration: ©Unsplash)