Russian President Vladimir Putin, foreground right, toasts with top military officers and law enforcement officials in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018. Putin said that Russia has adhered to its obligations in the arms control sphere, but noted that Russian arsenals will be modernized to ensure protection from any potential threats. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) (Alexei Nikolsky)
MOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia plans to commission new military weapons that would be unrivaled throughout the world.
Putin’s statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that he intends to opt out of a 1987 nuclear arms control pact due to alleged Russian violations.
Putin has denied any breaches and accused Washington of violating the pact.
“Russia doesn’t threaten anyone, and has strictly adhered to its obligations in the sphere of international security and arms control,” he reiterated while speaking at a meeting with top military officers and law enforcement officials.
At the same time, Putin said Russian arsenals would be modernized to ensure protection from potential threats. The new Russian weapons “significantly excel foreign designs and are simply unrivaled,” he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, greets Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard troops Viktor Zolotov, second left, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, left, and Director of the Federal Security Service Dmitry Kochnev, right, during a meeting with top military officers and law enforcement officials in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018. Putin said that Russia has adhered to its obligations in the arms control sphere, but noted that Russian arsenals will be modernized to ensure protection from any potential threats. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) (AP)
His comments came as NATO’s biggest military maneuvers since the Cold War kicked off Thursday in Norway with about 55,000 military personnel.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, greets top military officers and law enforcement officials in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018. Putin said that Russia has adhered to its obligations in the arms control sphere, but noted that Russian arsenals will be modernized to ensure protection from any potential threats. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) (AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, greets Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard troops Viktor Zolotov, second left, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, left, and Director of the Federal Security Service Dmitry Kochnev, right, during a meeting with top military officers and law enforcement officials in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018. Putin said that Russia has adhered to its obligations in the arms control sphere, but noted that Russian arsenals will be modernized to ensure protection from any potential threats. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) (AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, speaks as he meets with top military officers and law enforcement officials in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018. Putin said that Russia has adhered to its obligations in the arms control sphere, but noted that Russian arsenals will be modernized to ensure protection from any potential threats. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) (AP)
