Vladimir Putin used his last annual press conference as Russian president Thursday to reiterate warnings over the proposed U.S. plan to install missile shields in Eastern Europe and the backing by Western powers of Kosovo's anticipated declaration of independence.
During his marathon 4½-hour appearance before some 1,000 reporters, Putin also insisted Russia was not interested in an escalation of tension with the West reminiscent of the Cold War.
Putin, who is scheduled to leave the Kremlin in May, said his country was instead focused on fixing its economic and social problems and boosting internal development.
Russia not interested in new Cold War
"To suppose that we aspire to return to the times of the Cold War is just too bold a supposition," Putin told reporters. "We are not interested in this."
He repeated his earlier threat to target Russia's missiles at Poland and the Czech Republic if they participate in a U.S. proposal for missile shield installations, as well as neighbouring Ukraine, should it join NATO.
"We are warning people ahead of time: if you take this step, then we will make this step," he said.
Putin also said his government had a "ready-made plan" in case the West recognized Kosovo's declaration of independence, which he dubbed "not moral and not legal," while lambasting European nations' double standard in supporting Kosovo's bid while not rushing to recognize other independence claims such as those of northern Cyprus.
The breakaway province composed largely of ethnic Albanians is slated to declare unilaterally its independence from Serbia on Sunday. The move is expected to draw immediate endorsement from the United States and other major Western powers, despite vehement opposition from Russia, Serbia's longtime ally.
Putin's relationship with likely successor 'harmonious'
Putin, who is barred by Russia's constitution from running for a third term as president in next month's elections, maintained he'll have a "harmonious" and "practical" relationship with the man likely to succeed him in the Kremlin, Dmitry Medvedev.
As head of the dominant United Russia party, Putin could be appointed prime minister by Medvedev following the party's anticipated victory in the March elections.
During Putin's eight-year reign, observers have decried the Kremlin's curbing of press freedoms and attacks on independent media and questioned the fairness of Russia's recent parliamentary elections in December.
During the press conference, Putin suggested international vote monitors should "teach their wives to make cabbage soup" rather than teach Russia how to run its elections.
