Putin: Russia ready for constructive ties with all countries

Russia will seek constructive ties with other countries, Russia's President Vladimir Putin said.

Speaking to his rivals in Russia's presidential election, Putin said that he will focus on raising living standards, improving health care and education and dealing with other domestic issues.

"There is no intention to speed up some kind of arms race, and, just the opposite, we will develop constructive relations with all countries of the world," Putin stressed.

Putin noted that "not everything depends on us," but added that "we will do our best to settle all disputes with our partners using political and diplomatic means" while preserving Russia's national interests, Associated Press reported.