MOSCOW. Feb 9 (Interfax) - Russia has no global territorial aims, let alone plans to send its troops into Poland or Latvia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"At least that's what they're talking about. And they are trying to intimidate their own population with an imaginary Russian threat. This is an obvious fact. And thinking people, not philistines, but thinking people, analysts, those who are engaged in real politics, just smart people understand perfectly well that this is a fake. They are trying to fuel the Russian threat," Putin said in an interview with U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson.
When asked whether he could imagine a scenario where Russia sends its troops to, for instance, Poland, Putin said, "Only in one case: if Poland attacks Russia. Why? Because we have no interest in Poland, Latvia or anywhere else. Why would we do that? We simply don't have any interest. Its just threat mongering."
Upon being asked to confirm that he has no territorial aims across the continent, Putin said, "It is absolutely out of the question. You just don't have to be any kind of analyst, it goes against common sense to get involved in some kind of global war. And a global war will bring all of humanity to the brink of destruction. It's obvious."
Putin described any talk that Russia could use tactical nuclear weapons tomorrow as horror stories to extort money from European taxpayers.
"These are just horror stories for people in the street in order to extort additional money from U.S. taxpayers and European taxpayers in the confrontation with Russia in the Ukrainian theater of war. The goal is to weaken Russia as much as possible," he said.
Instead of seeking to weaken Russia on the battlefield, the West should try to reach an agreement with it, Putin said.
"Wouldn't it be better to negotiate with Russia? Make an agreement, already understanding the situation that is developing today, realizing that Russia will fight for its interests to the end. And, realizing this, actually return to common sense, start respecting our country and its interests and look for certain solutions. It seems to me that this is much smarter and more rational," Putin said.