Vladimir Putin Confirms Russia's Readiness To Bring Its Positions Closer To NATO's

Vladimir Putin has confirmed Russia's readiness to "bring its positions closer to NATO's on very many issues as far as the North Atlantic alliance is prepared to go" in taking Russian national interests into account. Opening on Thursday a meeting with members of the international affairs committees of both chambers of the Federal Assembly, the president at the same time said that "Russia does not intend to queue up for admission to NATO". "In its economic, manpower, military, territorial, scientific and technological potential, Russia is a self-sufficient state and capable of ensuring its own defence," the president noted.