Western Nations Force Russia to a Breaking Point, Triggering Reaction: Putin
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Moscow, Dec 17 (NationPress) The West is compelling Russia towards its breaking point, leaving Moscow with no option but to react, asserted Russian President Vladimir Putin at an extensive gathering of the collegium of the Russian Defence Ministry.
Putin remarked that Western nations exploit a fictitious Russian threat to instill fear in their citizens while pushing Moscow to its limits and necessitating a response. He claimed that the West conducts hybrid warfare and implements a policy of containment against nations they oppose, including Russia.
He pointed out that the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is increasing military expenditures, positioning strike groups near Russia's borders, and augmenting the number of US troops in Europe, which now surpasses 100,000, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Moreover, he mentioned that the bloc is enhancing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region while forming US-led military alliances that undermine the long-standing security framework of the area.
Putin expressed concern over the US efforts to produce and prepare high-precision ground-based missiles with a range of up to 5,500 km for deployment in forward positions. He warned that if the US proceeds with the deployment of such missiles, Russia will revoke its unilateral restrictions previously set under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.
Simultaneously, he acknowledged that the Russian army and navy are undergoing modernization, with 95 percent of the country's strategic nuclear forces now outfitted with contemporary weaponry.
Putin announced that the mass production of the new Oreshnik intermediate-range missile systems will commence shortly.
He emphasized that Russia's strategic nuclear forces are vital for upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity, asserting that it is also crucial to maintain non-strategic nuclear forces in a state of constant combat readiness and to continue conducting drills to prepare for their potential use.
He cautioned that if the US advances with the missile deployment, Russia would respond by lifting all voluntary restrictions it had imposed on its missile deployments.
The Russian president further asserted that the nation's nuclear arsenal is intended exclusively for deterrence, highlighting its strategic significance in preserving balance.
Additionally, Putin noted the ongoing progress of Russian forces in Ukraine, claiming that 189 settlements had come under Russian control this year.
