"You know, there is no need to scare anyone. There are many dangers, they are growing. We can see what our current opponent is doing — they are escalating the situation. If that's what they want, fine," Putin told Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin.
"We will always respond to any challenge. Always. When our current opponents and possible partners hear, understand and realize this, then I believe the understanding will emerge that it is necessary to seek compromises," the president said.