Russia is raising alarms about NATO’s growing military presence, with Defense Minister Andrey Belousov claiming the alliance is steadily increasing forces and spending near Russian borders.
Speaking at an expanded meeting of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Belousov painted a picture of an evolving security environment that he says poses serious challenges to Moscow.
NATO’s Military Expansion Under Scrutiny
According to Belousov, NATO has been actively modernizing its military capabilities.
This includes the deployment of intermediate-range missiles, upgraded air and missile defense systems, and faster troop transfers to its eastern flank.
All of these measures, he argued, signal a clear preparation for potential confrontation with Russia.
Belousov highlighted that NATO’s current defense budget sits at around $1.6 trillion.
With member countries aiming to boost military spending to roughly 5 percent of their GDP, he warned that the alliance’s budget could increase by more than 50 percent over the next few years.
“All of this indicates that NATO is preparing for a military confrontation with Russia.
We are not threatening anyone — we are the ones being threatened,” Belousov said.
Russia’s Response: Modernizing Armed Forces
In response to NATO’s moves, Belousov emphasized that Russia is investing heavily in modernizing its armed forces.
The focus, he noted, is on strategic nuclear capabilities, aiming to maintain a credible deterrent against perceived threats from the West.
Putin Calls for Calm Amid Rising Tensions
President Vladimir Putin weighed in on the report, criticizing European nations for creating what he called a “hysterical atmosphere.”
He argued that some officials are stoking fears of an inevitable clash with Russia, despite Moscow’s repeated assurances that it has no intention of waging war against NATO.
NATO Officials Sound Warnings
Meanwhile, NATO leaders have contributed to the rhetoric.
In December, Secretary General Mark Rutte suggested that Russia could emerge as a serious threat to the alliance.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed such statements as irresponsible and exaggerated.
The conversation about a potential Russian threat to NATO intensified ahead of the alliance’s summit in The Hague in June.
Military leaders and politicians from France, Italy, Serbia, and Hungary have all weighed in, though opinions vary widely.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán questioned the logic of fearing a Russian attack, noting that NATO and the European Union vastly surpass Russia in both military and economic power.
He described concerns about a Russian assault on the bloc as largely unfounded.
A Changing Security Landscape
The debate underscores a shifting global security landscape.
Russia views NATO’s actions as an escalation, while European officials argue they are merely preparing for potential threats.
As defense budgets rise and troops are redeployed, tensions between Moscow and the alliance show no signs of easing anytime soon.
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