Putin calls for enhancing capability of nuclear forces

Putin's remarks came during the annual meeting of the Defense Ministry Board in Russia.

In a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin said: "We need to enhance the combat capability of strategic nuclear forces, primarily by strengthening missile complexes that will be guaranteed to penetrate existing and future missile defense systems.

"Strategic non-nuclear forces must also reach a new level of sophistication so as to neutralize any military Russia may face."

He said Russia remains "stronger than any potential aggressor". But, he warned that any relaxation could change the situation "quickly".

"We need to do a great deal to strengthen the nuclear triad, to improve the missile warning system and the Aerospace Forces, but there is even more we need to do in the Navy and the Army," Putin added in the statement.