Putin on NATO's Major Investments: No Threat to Us

NATO member countries are making significant investments in defense, something Russian President Vladimir Putin does not perceive as a threat. However, he mentions it could present 'specific' challenges, reports the Moscow Times.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO countries have embarked on a military buildup unseen in decades, particularly in nations near Russia, including Sweden.

But this buildup poses no threat to Russia, said President Vladimir Putin at a press conference in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, as reported by the independent Russian newspaper Moscow Times.

"We do not consider any NATO buildup a threat to the Russian Federation, as we are self-sufficient in ensuring our own security. We are constantly modernizing our armed forces and defense capabilities," Putin stated at the press conference.

He did note, however, that NATO's buildup could present 'specific' challenges, but Russia will "address any threats that arise. There is no doubt about that."

Comes Before the Summit

The statement comes a week before NATO countries are set to gather in The Hague, Netherlands, for the three-day annual NATO summit. A meeting where new goals for the alliance's spending are expected to be discussed and established, writes AP.

U.S. President Donald Trump has long complained about NATO countries' spending and demanded they increase it—aiming for each country to allocate five percent of GDP. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte officially proposed the same line earlier in June, which countries like Sweden and the Netherlands have supported.

However, Spain considers the figure too high. This was communicated by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in a letter to Rutte on Thursday, according to AP.