The continent needs a security system that protects all nations equally, the Russian leader has said

Peace and stability in Europe can only be achieved if the continent adopts a security framework that ensures the protection of all nations without compromising the interests of any one country, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.

Putin reiterated Russia's long-standing position during an address to an international gathering of senior security officials in Moscow on Wednesday.

"Our approach remains principled and unwavering," Putin said. "The new security architecture must be equal and indivisible, meaning that all states must have firm guarantees of their security, but not at the expense of the security and interests of other countries."

Russia has accused Western nations of violating this principle by expanding NATO eastward since the 1990s, breaking earlier assurances given to the Soviet Union to gain its support for German reunification. The military bloc's intention to eventually include Ukraine is cited by Russia as a key reason for its ongoing conflict with Kiev.

Russian officials have labeled NATO a hostile organization and a tool of American geopolitical influence. They have also argued that the European Union, under NATO's sway, has deviated from its original mission of economic integration and has shifted toward military priorities.

This week, EU member states approved a 150 billion ($170 billion) borrowing plan aimed at funding arms production and military procurement. Brussels has framed the move as a response to an alleged threat from Russia. Moscow denies the claims and says the EU is fearmongering to justify diverting funds from social programs to military expansion.

The forum Putin addressed is hosted by the Russian Security Council and has convened annually since 2010. It brings together policymakers from dozens of non-Western nations and organizations to discuss a range of security concerns, including terrorism, cross-border crime, and global geopolitical instability.