Putin: ‘No One Should Have the Illusion’ They Can Defeat Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning to the world about Russia’s military capabilities during an address on Thursday.

“No one should have the illusion that they can gain military superiority over Russia, put any kind of pressure on it,” Putin said. “We will always have an adequate answer for any such adventures.”

The remarks were part of an address regarding the Defenders’ of the Fatherland holiday, which occurs next week.

Luke Coffey studies transatlantic relations as the Margaret Thatcher Fellow at The Heritage Foundation. He said that Putin’s comments should be taken seriously by the United States and our allies.

“Statements like this should serve as a wake-up call for the U.S. and our European allies,” said Coffey. “As we slash defense spending and hollow out our military capabilities, Putin is rearming Russia to the teeth. Putin’s ultimate goal is not the re-establishment of the Soviet Union, but the re-establishment of the Russian Empire as once ruled by the Tsars. As long as Putin is in charge, Russia will remain a threat to regional stability.  It’s time the West to wake up and develop a strategy to deal with this challenge accordingly.”

According to Fox News, Russia’s military budget has increased by one-third this year.

The U.S. Friday warned Russia that its continued support of separatists fighting in Ukraine despite a cease-fire agreement was a direct threat to the “modern global order” and could bring additional costs.