MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. Russia has become notably stronger in the past couple of years as it moves closer to being a truly sovereign nation, President Vladimir Putin said at the combined Direct Line Q&A session and his annual press conference.

"Russia has significantly strengthened in the past two to three years," the Russian head of state said. "This is because we are becoming a truly independent country," he explained.

At present, Russia is increasingly self-reliant, while its economy is capable of sustaining itself independently, the president continued.

Meanwhile, almost all countries of the North Atlantic Alliance are currently fighting against Russia, according to Putin. "Practically all NATO countries are engaged in conflict with us," he said.