
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia will react quickly if Europe provokes Moscow into arming Ukraine, which the Kremlin leader called "hysterical militarization of the continent."
It is about the long-range missiles that Ukraine is requesting, which Europe has previously agreed to, but which the US is also recently discussing whether or not to give approval.
However, Putin stated that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO.
The Russian president blamed Europe for the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as NATO itself as the cause of the war aimed at expanding eastward near Russia's borders.
Putin considers what is happening in Ukraine a tragedy.
"The tragedy of Ukraine is painful for both Ukrainians and Russians. It is painful for all of us," Putin said.
Meanwhile, the Russian President expressed gratitude to the BRICS countries and Arab countries for their efforts for peace, as well as to allies North Korea and Belarus.
Putin made these statements in his annual speech at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, a forum that brings together Russia's experts and policymakers.