Russia not to succumb to external pressure: Putin

Moscow, Feb 21: Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would never yield to any external pressure.

In a gala reception to mark the upcoming Defender of the Fatherland Day on Friday, the president delivered the speech showing his confidence in Russia's military might to protect the country from outside threats, Xinhua reported.

"No one should have any illusions that it could achieve military supremacy over Russia or to put pressure on us in any form," Putin said. "Russia would always have an adequate response to any such reckless actions."

Russian soldiers "are ready to act decisively, with precision, professionalism and courage, to carry out even the most difficult missions," said the president, adding that the country's armed forces have been upgrading with the highest modern standards.

His remarks came, as Russia's relationship with the West seems to hit its lowest point since the end of the Cold War due to the ongoing crisis in eastern Ukraine.

The West has been criticizing Russia for its intervention in Ukraine and the threat it poses to the neighbour, the allegations Moscow has vehemently denied. The US and the EU have imposed several rounds of sanctions against Moscow, which has cost the Russian economy dearly.

Showing no signs of succumbing to the challenges, Putin said: " We would continue to carry out our military improvement plans under any circumstances ... There is no doubt about that."

The Defender of the Fatherland Day is a national holiday celebrated Feb 23 in honor of the Russia's servicemen.

IANS