Russia Continues To Strengthen Its Military, President Putin: Our Country Is Always Open To Dialogue

Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Source: Kremlin.ru)

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday his country has always been open to diplomacy but puts its own national security interests first, continuing to strengthen its military in the face of what he called a difficult international situation.

Speaking in a video statement released to coincide with the commemoration of Defender of the Fatherland Day, President Putin made no mention of his dispute with the West over Ukraine which has led to Western sanctions being imposed on Russia, after he decided to recognize the independence of the two breakaway Ukrainian territories.

However, President Putin also used the appearance to send a message to the West about his stance on the issue.

"Our country has always been open to direct and honest dialogue and is ready to seek diplomatic solutions to the most complex problems," he said.

"But I want to reiterate, Russia's interests and the security of our people are unconditional. So, we will continue to strengthen and modernize our army and navy."

The United States has accused President Putin of amassing more than 150,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, in preparation for what it fears could be a full-scale invasion.

Meanwhile, Russia has repeatedly denied plans for such an attack but says it has an obligation to protect people living in the two breakaway regions.

"We can see the difficult international situation and the threats posed by the current challenges, such as the erosion of the weapons control system and the military activity of NATO," said President Putin.

"However, Russia's call to build a system based on equal and indivisible security that will reliably defend all countries, remains unanswered."