NATO rearmament not threat to Russia: Putin

Russia does not consider any rearmament efforts by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a threat to its national security, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday during a meeting with the heads of major global news agencies. "We do not see any NATO rearmament as a threat to the Russian Federation, because we are self-sufficient in terms of ensuring our own security," Putin said. Putin emphasized that Russia continuously enhances its military and defense capabilities. "Whatever NATO does, of course, creates certain risks, but we are fully capable of neutralizing all emerging threats. There is no doubt about that," he said. Putin also questioned the rationale behind NATO member states increasing their defense budgets, suggesting such actions are unnecessary. "Any rearmament or raising budgets to five percent of GDP by NATO countries makes no sense," he added.

Putin: we do NOT believe any NATO rearmament is threat to Russia

'We are self-sufficient in terms of ensuring our own security' pic.twitter.com/rZ6MvEDOIg

— RT (@RT_com) June 18, 2025

He further accused Western powers of double standards, saying: “You write rules for others, but you yourself are not going to follow them. Who will live by such rules?” While refusing to speculate on the potential assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, Putin urged a diplomatic solution that respects both Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Israel’s security. He also rejected NATO’s military expansion as “pointless,” blamed the West for igniting the Ukraine crisis, and reiterated readiness to meet with US and Ukrainian leaders. Putin insisted Russia remains open to dialogue, but on terms rooted in legal legitimacy.