Putin says UNSC permanent members should assume responsibility for global security

MOSCOW - The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) should show leadership and remove the prerequisites for new global wars, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday in his address to Russia's Federal Assembly.

"The five leading powers have a special responsibility for the preservation and sustainable development of humankind," Putin said.

"It is necessary to show political will, wisdom and audacity. The time demands that we recognize our common responsibility and take real action," he added.

Putin said the UNSC permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- must eliminate the prerequisites for new global wars and update approaches to ensure stability on the planet, in full consideration of political, economic and military aspects of modern international relations.

Russia is open for cooperation with all interested partners, the president said, adding that Russia does not threaten nor intend to impose its will on anyone.

Putin said Russia wishes to strengthen its defenses to create a basis for its own peaceful development. Doing so would allow the country to solve its most acute internal issues and concentrate on economic and social growth, Putin concluded.