Putin says Russia won't enter arms race with NATO

MOSCOW (AP) — NATO's military buildup near Russia's borders has upset military parity in Europe, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday, adding that Russia will take retaliatory measures without entering an arms race.

Russia has described NATO's U.S.-led missile shield as a top security threat, rejecting Washington's claims that the shield is intended to fend off the Iranian missile threat.

The Russian leader hailed the Russia- and U.S.-brokered cease-fire in Syria as an example of a joint action needed to combat the terrorist threat.