Peskov, NATO’s actions are pushing Russia and the United States-led alliance into direct confrontation, as tensions have escalated to a critical point. This warning came on the 75th anniversary of NATO’s founding in Washington on April 4, 1949. Currently, NATO has expanded to 32 members, including recent additions Finland and Sweden.
The deteriorating relations between Russia and NATO stem from the conflict in Ukraine, which Russia claims is a response to NATO’s encroachment on its borders. Despite Western condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Moscow sees NATO’s expansion as a direct threat. Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized NATO’s promises not to expand eastward, only to see NATO forces stationed near Russian territory.
NATO officials defend the alliance as purely defensive, welcoming democratic nations to join. However, Russia sees the continued enlargement of NATO as a threat to its security. The recent acquisition of Finland and Sweden into NATO has further heightened tensions, with Russia warning that NATO military presence near its borders poses a significant risk.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has also led to discussions within NATO about providing increased military assistance to the country. Plans for a substantial fund to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities over the next five years were proposed at a recent NATO summit. Despite Russia’s opposition, NATO members are committed to supporting Ukraine and preparing for future challenges.
Patrushev stated that NATO’s recent actions are further evidence that the alliance is effectively involved in the conflict in Ukraine.
He noted that NATO is making collective decisions on providing new arms to Ukraine with increased technical capabilities.
Furthermore, he claimed that NATO instructors in multiple countries are training mercenaries and saboteurs for operations against Russia.
Putin previously suggested that NATO had troops on the ground in Ukraine, although no evidence was provided.
Poland’s foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, also mentioned the presence of Western troops in Ukraine as an “open secret.”
It should be noted that these claims could not be independently verified by The Epoch Times.
Reuters contributed to this report.
