The legitimate use of force can only be sanctioned by the United Nations.

Speaking at the 43rd Munich Conference on Security Policy the Russian President declared that only the UN, and not the EU or NATO, can sanction the legitimate use of force.

According to Vladimir Putin, NATO expansion represents a serious provocation that diminishes mutual trust between countries.

As opposed to the UN, the Alliance is not a universal organisation. First and foremost NATO is a military and political coalition, the Russian head of state emphasised.

The President also noted that resolving international problems based on political considerations and the politcal climate is extremely dangerous, and such a policy stimulates an arms race.

The Munich Conference on Security Policy is an international forum composed of more than 250 leading politicians, diplomats, military officials, members of the business community, academics and public figures from more than 40 countries. - Kremlin.ru