The world is not paving the way for a nuclear war, says Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing Moscow’s response to the US and NATO military buildup in Europe.

Russia’s deployment of 40 intercontinental missiles to its nuclear arsenal in response to the US military buildup in Europe does not mean the world is in danger of a nuclear war, RT quoted Putin as saying during a mostly closed-door meeting with top foreign news agencies executives on Saturday.

The Russian president made the comments on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum held on Friday.

In the wake of a crisis in neighboring Ukraine, the Russian president announced Tuesday that his country was to boost its nuclear arsenal by adding the intercontinental missiles.

The deployment was required for Russia to protect itself against the US, which is reportedly considering the placement of additional heavy weapons in Europe, Putin was quoted as saying by a Spanish news agency, EFE.            

"Russia is not an aggressor and does not favor increasing the level of tension… but is obliged to respond to Western actions targeting Moscow," said the EFE report, citing the Russian president.

Apparently, the meeting was held under so-called Chatham House rules, according to which the participants’ comments cannot be directly reported without their express permission.

“The increase in belligerent rhetoric between Russia and the US does not mean the world is at greater risk of nuclear confrontation,” the EFE report said.

Putin also denied allegations that Moscow is sending troops to eastern Ukraine, adding that Kiev should find a peaceful solution to its troubles.

Russia and the US have been at odds over an armed conflict in eastern Ukraine with Washington and its allies accusing Moscow of having a hand in the crisis that has led to thousands of deaths over the past months.

SRK/NT/AS