Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied territorial ambition in the country's invasion of Ukraine. In the same speech, he said his country can withdraw from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, hinting at possible plans to resume such testing.

Putin made the comments at the Valdai Discussion Club in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Thursday.

He said, "Russia is the world's largest country in terms of land area, and we have no interest in conquering additional territory." He claimed that what is happening in Ukraine is about principles underlying a "new international order."

Putin then claimed that Western countries, especially the United States, arbitrarily set rules and tell others how they should behave. He added that it is a "manifestation of colonial mentality."

The Russian president also boasted that the country successfully tested a nuclear-powered cruise missile. It is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

In response to Putin's comments, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu said Russia has issued many signals about nuclear weapons. He said Japan is seriously concerned about the possibility that Russia would use them. He said the threat and use of nuclear weapons must not be tolerated.

Matsuno added that Tokyo will continue working with the international community, including other Group of Seven countries, to firmly advance diplomatic efforts, such as tough sanctions.