Putin said about the threat to Russia due to the military development of Ukraine by NATO

During the meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club, Putin noted that the formal entry of Ukraine into the North Atlantic Alliance may not take place, but the military development of its territory is already underway. 

“This really poses a threat to the Russian Federation, and we are fully aware of this,” the president said. 

Putin also believes that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, with his visit to Ukraine and statements, actually opens the door to the alliance for Kiev.

Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said that Ukraine's accession to NATO would be an extremely dangerous step that would force Moscow to react.

The heads of the military departments of Ukraine and the United States, Andriy Taran and Lloyd Austin, agreed to develop a roadmap for the implementation of the signed defense partnership agreement.