Russian leader Vladimir Putin says his country has no option but to take into account not only the nuclear capabilities of the United States but those of other NATO countries.

His comments in a television interview airing on Sunday aim to defend Russia’s recent suspension of its New START pact participation.

The decision to halt participation, according to the leader of the Kremlin, was made in order to “maintain security, strategic stability” for Russia.

Putin asserts once more that the military alliance led by the United States wants to subdue and eliminate Russia.

U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the country wants Ukraine to succeed but does not seek to control or destroy Russia, in a speech delivered in Poland on Tuesday.