INTERNATIONAL: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday has blamed the West for escalating tensions in Europe, saying it had incorrectly assessed the outcome of the Cold War.

Speaking to senior military officials, Putin has mentioned that Russia would respond "adequately" to any Western aggression and would develop its army further.

Russia has amassed tens of thousands of troops on the border with Ukraine, demanding that NATO refuse to accept the former Soviet republic as a member and guarantee that no weapons or troops will be deployed there.