Russian Defense Minister: NATO's actions in Eastern Europe is forcing Moscow to take defensive measures
According to Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, the buildup of NATO forces in Eastern Europe is forcing Moscow to take defensive measures, TASS reported.
At a meeting between the Russian and Belarusian defense ministries, Shoygu stated, "The United States and other NATO members are actively building up their offensive potential on the western frontiers of Russia's ally [Belarus], opening new bases and developing military infrastructure. There are incessant attempts to impose their will on other countries… An open information war is underway.”
According to the Russian Defense Minister, NATO’s actions in Eastern Europe provided the impetus for Russia to take counter measures along the country’s western borders.
These actions are undermining strategic stability and are forcing Russia to take counter-measures of defensive nature, including in the western strategic direction,” he stated.
Shoygu went on to describe cooperative efforts being taken by the Belarusian and Russian militaries.
“Military cooperation between Russia and Belarus is actively developing,” Shoygu stated. "In this process, the joint board is an effective mechanism of taking collective decisions in the sphere of common security of our counties."
During the NATO summit in Warsaw in July, the leaders of the alliance agreed on the need to strengthen defenses in Eastern Europe.
Earlier this month, Russia announced that it had deployed nuclear-capable Iskander missile systems to its Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad. Shortly thereafter, the Baltic States reported that they planned to triple their defense budgets.
Last week, at a meeting of NATO defense ministers, ten member states pledged to contribute soldiers to the alliance’s four multinational battalions in the Baltic States and Poland.