The Russian president attacked the policies of the United States of America, which he said depend on military intervention in other countries, in blatant disregard for international law.

Putin stressed that measures were taken to respond to Washington's unfriendly steps and any Western aggression, stressing his country's continued development of its army and holding Washington responsible for the deteriorating situation in Europe.

The Russian president referred to Washington's withdrawal from various international treaties, which guarantee the achievement of strategic stability, as well as its quest to expand the NATO alliance.

US President Joe Biden had threatened Moscow to pay a heavy price if it invaded Ukraine after massing its soldiers on the border with it.

Russia called on NATO not to accept the membership of the former Soviet republic, and to ensure that no weapons or forces were deployed there, as it considered that its national security would be in danger if Kiev joined NATO.