Russia will not be drawn into large-scale conflicts but its partners need to understand that it is better not to provoke Russia, Putin underlined.

“Russia is far from getting involved into a large-scale conflict. We do not want it and aren’t going to do it,” Putin said.

“Of course, we were always ready to repel any act of aggression toward Russia. Our partners, regardless of the situation their countries are in or their foreign policy line, have to always realize that it’s better not to mess with Russia,” the president underlined.

Russia will continue building up its nuclear potential to ensure its security, according to Putin.

“I’ll remind you that Russia is one of the largest nuclear powers. These are not just words, this is reality and, moreover, we are strengthening our powers of nuclear restraint. We are boosting our armed forces, they are actually becoming more compact and more effective. They are really becoming more modern from the point of view of being equipped with modern systems of weaponry. We will continue increasing this potential, and we will do this,” Putin said.

"This is not to threaten anyone, but to feel secure, feel calm, it gives us the ability to realize those plans that we have in the economic and social spheres," the president added.