Putin criticises NATO expansion as alliance holds London summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin reacts as he delivers a speech during celebrations for the 10th anniversary of the Russian International Olympic University in Sochi, Russia December 3, 2019. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov/Pool

SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday criticised NATO's continued expansion, something he suggested was pointless given the absence of a threat from Moscow following the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.

Speaking at a meeting of Russian military leaders in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi, Putin said NATO expansion posed a threat to Russia, but said he hoped that a shared interest in common security would prevail.