President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with German television that NATO expansion since 2001 significantly changed the geo-political situation.
“We have witnessed two waves of NATO expansion since 2001,” Putin said. “If I remember correctly, seven countries – Slovenia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and three Baltic States, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – joined NATO in 2004. Two more countries joined in 2009. Those were significant geopolitical game changers.
“Furthermore, the number of military bases is growing,” he said. “Does Russia have military bases around the world? NATO and the United States have military bases scattered all over the globe, including in areas close to our borders, and their number is growing.”
“Moreover, just recently it was decided to deploy Special Operations Forces, again in close proximity to our borders,” Putin said.
The president also said that Russia resumed the flights of its strategic aviation several years ago since it saw no moves on behalf of the United States and NATO to meet Russia halfway.
“You have mentioned various exercises, flights, ship movements, and so on,” the Russian president said in response to a question from the German correspondent. “Is all of this going on? Yes, it is indeed.”
“However, first of all, you said… that they have been conducted in the international European airspace. Well, it is either international [neutral] or European airspace,” Putin said. “So, please note that our exercises have been conducted exclusively in international waters and international airspace.”
In the interview with ARD Putin also said that Moscow was concerned by the risk of ethnic cleansing in Ukraine, adding that Kiev should stop using force in southeastern regions and create conditions for a political dialogue.
“It is important to stop the bloodshed, mutual attacks and create the conditions for a political dialogue. This is important. You have none of this — you have no political dialogue,” the Russian leader said.
“We are very concerned that an idea of ethnic cleansing could arise there. We are afraid of Ukraine slipping into neo-Nazism,” the Russian leader warned.
“Today there is fighting in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian central authorities have sent the armed forces there and they even use ballistic missiles.
“Does anybody speak about it? Not a single word. Does it mean that you want the Ukrainian government to annihilate everyone there, all political enemies and opponents? Is that what you want? We do not want it and will not let it happen,” he added.
“There’s one thing missing: for an understanding to be successful, stable and grow, everyone needs to have a feeling that this is their land, their home no matter what language they speak — whether it’s Hungarian, Russian, Ukrainian or Polish,” Putin told the German channel.
But he added that relations with Germany are an example to follow. “Look at the friendship that has been established between Russia and Germany in the past 10–15 years,” Putin said.
“I see it as a very good base, a good foundation for the development of relations not only between our two countries, but also between Russia and Europe as a whole, for the harmonization of relations in the world. It will be a pity if we let it go to waste,” he added.