Russia has always opposed Ukraine's membership in NATO because it sees it as a national security threat, but it has not opposed Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"As for NATO — yes, we have always been against [Ukraine's accession to the alliance], and there are good reasons for this, as NATO's expansion to our borders poses a direct threat to our security," Putin said at the Valdai Discussion Club.

He added that Russia has never opposed Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU and that Russia does not see any military threat in economic cooperation.

Read more: 'Idiots' in NATO countries pushing world to WWIII, says Medvedev

He further said that Ukraine's economy is on the brink of collapse, adding that Ukraine will need foreign aid to survive and that it will collapse within a week without it.

"It [Ukraine] is still trying to manufacture something, but little gets achieved," Putin said, adding that if the EU is ready to accept such an economy, then it is their choice.

Over 335,000 Soldiers recruited for SMO

On another note, the Russian head of State said that over 335,000 Russians have signed military contracts to fight in the Ukraine conflict, with an additional 5,000 signing short-term contracts.

"As of today, we already have 335,000 people who voluntarily came and entered into contracts with the Defense Ministry," Putin said.

When asked about the Wagner Group, Putin said that there are no private military companies (PMCs) in Russia because there are no laws regulating them, adding that the term "PMC" was created by the media. Putin also said that he was surprised to learn that the Wagner Group pays its fighters in cash and that he blames himself for this.

Read more: Putin appoints ex-aide of Wagner leader to oversee contractors in SMO

"Several thousand fighters from this company [Wagner] have already signed contracts with the armed forces," Putin said.  

When asked where Russian forces should stop during the special military operation, Putin said that it was all about the safety of the Russian people, and not about conquering territory. He also said that Russian forces have advanced in 12 areas in the special military operation zone.

BRICS should focus on national currency payments, not common currency

On matters pertaining to the creation of an alternative financial system, Putin said that BRICS countries need a way to easily and efficiently settle payments in their own currencies, without relying on a single common currency.

"As for BRICS, we need not to create a common currency, but to establish a system of settlements, create financial logistics in order to ensure settlement between our states in national currencies, taking into account the situation with our national currencies and the macroeconomic performance of our economies as well as currency rate differences and processes of inflation. It is a tough but manageable situation. We need to work on this," the Russian President said.

He added that experts have discussed the possibility of creating a common BRICS currency and that it is theoretically possible.

"In order to achieve it someday, we need to reach a certain parity in the development of our national economies. It is a very long-term perspective ... The eurozone has switched to the euro, a common currency, without considering how it would work for countries with different levels of economic development, eventually causing problems. Why would we make the same mistakes," Putin also said, noting that the financial system needs to be improved as a whole. 

Read more: De-dollarization happening fast within BRICS, global economy: Netley