AMMAN, February 13 (RIA Novosti) - President Vladimir Putin accused the United States of 'playing the anti-Russian card' to solve its domestic problems and secure more substantial defense spending.
"I have an impression that some partners are promoting themselves and have started using the non-existent Russian threat to get more money from the U.S. Congress for military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the expensive missile defense project," Putin said during his visit to Jordan, adding that it was not Russia's problem.
Last Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Washington needed sufficient forces to combat large armies and special units to fight terrorism, adding that developments in countries such as Russia, North Korea, Iran and China were unpredictable.