MOSCOW. Nov 6 (Interfax) - Russia will continue increasing its defense potential, but is ready to do everything to promote "the disarmament process," Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"Our army and navy have proved their high level of readiness and we intend to increase the defense potential, to put on combat duty hypersonic, laser, and other modern weapons systems which other countries currently do not have," Putin said at a meeting with top officers and prosecutors devoted to their promotion and the assigning to them higher military (special) ranks.
But that "is no reason for Russia to threaten anyone," he said.
"On the contrary, we are ready to do our best to promote the disarmament process, taking into consideration our latest weapons systems, whose task consists solely in guaranteeing security with regard to the increasing threats we face," Putin said.
The level of personnel training and intensive combat training are especially significant, Putin said.
"The number of exercises has increased by a quarter this year. It is important to continue increasing the professional level of officers and soldiers and strengthen discipline and morale in the forces. This guarantees the combat capability of the Armed Forces," Putin said.