Russian President, Vladimir Putin, on Wednesday said his government would retaliate if Washington deployed any missiles in Europe.
In his annual address to the parliament, Putin did clarify that he was not seeking direct confrontation with the US.
In response to the US withdrawal from the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), he said Russia would not take the first step in deploying missiles but warned his American counterparts of the risks if they did so.
Putin criticised the US for withdrawing from the INF Treaty, saying accusations that Russia violated the treaty were made to cover up the fact they always wanted to withdraw from it.
He said the US ignored Russia’s “legitimate interests” and continued to organise “anti-Russian activities” such as illegal economic sanctions.
The Russian leader said his country was not a threat to the US and wanted to build a friendly relationship based on mutual respect.
“We are not interested in confrontation and do not seek it,” he said.
However, he said Washington should take note of Russia’s weapons before making any moves because he will always guarantee the country’s security.
“Among the US ruling class, there are many of those who get carried away by the idea of their exceptional nature and superiority above the rest of the world.
“Naturally, this is their right to think the way they want. But they know how to calculate, don’t they?” asked Putin.
“Let them calculate the range, speed of our weapon systems in development. This is all we are asking for.
“Let them first calculate and only then take decisions that might bring about additional serious threats for our country [Russia], and certainly will lead to a response from Russia, whose safety will be guaranteed.”
Putin praised his relations with many countries, highlighting his cooperation with China, India, Japan and said he hoped to restore relations with the European Union.
“We also hope that the European Union, the leading countries of Europe, will take real steps to restore normal political and economic relations with Russia.
“Citizens of these countries are interested in such cooperation with Russia,” he said. – Euronews.
