Putin says Russia to react to NATO Black Sea build-up

"The reaction will be calm without any hysteria. But there will of course be a reaction," Putin told journalists during a visit to Uzbekistan.

Putin on Tuesday also praised what he called the "common sense" shown by the European Union in its response to Russia's conflict with ex-Soviet Georgia.

"Thank God, common sense prevailed. We saw no extreme conclusions and proposals, and this is very good," Putin said in comments shown on NTV television.Â

"We have a basis for continuing dialogue with our European partners."