Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the West of forcing Russia into a corner, pushing it to its "red lines" and compelling a response.
Speaking to a gathering of defense officials on Monday, Putin reiterated that Russia had no choice but to act in the face of what it perceives as escalating threats from the West.
Putin’s comments came amid growing concerns over the United States’ development and potential deployment of short and medium-range missiles.
The Russian president expressed unease at these developments, signaling that Russia is closely monitoring the situation.
He warned that if the U.S. proceeds with the deployment of such missiles, Russia would respond by lifting all voluntary restrictions it has imposed on its own missile deployments.
The Russian president further emphasized that the country's nuclear arsenal is intended solely for deterrence, underscoring its strategic value in maintaining balance.
Putin also highlighted the continued progress of Russian forces in Ukraine, claiming that 189 settlements had been brought under Russian control this year.
In a broader context, Putin’s remarks reflect growing tensions between Russia and the West, particularly in light of NATO's ongoing support for Ukraine and increasing military cooperation among Western powers.
The rhetoric is also a response to the changing security dynamics in Europe, where Moscow perceives itself to be increasingly encircled by Western military alliances.
Putin’s warnings come at a time when Russia is also intensifying its collaborations with the BRICS nations, with the Kremlin pushing for the creation of an artificial intelligence (AI) alliance within the group.
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