ST. PETERSBURG. June 19 (Interfax) - Russia does not pose any threat to NATO, and the NATO defense budget enlargement is irrational, pointless, and will not do anyone any good, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"If NATO members want to enlarge their budget even more, it's their business, but this will not do anyone any good. Of course, additional risks will be created. This is not our decision. I believe it is completely irrational and pointless," Putin said at a meeting with the heads of international news agencies.
"Of course, no threats [to NATO] are coming from Russia, this is nonsense," he said.
Putin recalled a statement by Third Reich Minister of Propaganda and Public Enlightenment Joseph Goebbels, who said that "the more incredible the lie, the faster it will be believed." "Some in Europe may believe it. Yet they should better save their car industry and raise wages," Putin said.