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Putin criticizes NATOâ€™s â€œeastward expansionâ€

11 January 2016 08:54 (UTC +04:00)

Putin spoke about Russian national security and conflict with the West over attempts at global unipolarity in an interview to German daily Bild published on Monday.

“From the beginning, we failed to overcome Europe’s division. 25 years ago, the Berlin Wall fell, but invisible walls were moved to the East of Europe. This has led to mutual misunderstandings and assignments of guilt. They are the cause of all crises ever since,” he said.

Russian president pointed out that the former NATO Secretary General Manfred Wörner had guaranteed that NATO would not expand eastwards after the fall of the Wall. “But NATO’s infrastructure began moving to the East and its subsequent expansion came as a result," the Russian leader said.