Lavrov expresses concern over NATO activity near Russian borders
RIA Novosti reports that the Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia could not disregard the increase in NATO activity near their borders.
“We cannot disregard such a serious destabilizing factor in the Atlantic, as the revitalization of NATO activities on the Russian border,” he said following talks in Madrid with the Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell.
Lavrov added that he discussed with his Spanish colleague the relationship between Russia and the European Union and noted that both sides have a sincere interest in their normalization.
Earlier, the Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Shoygu stated that NATO activity near Russian borders had reached a level unmatched since the Cold War. According to him, the Alliance is increasing their military presence on the east flank.
Starting October 25th, NATO members have been conducting the military exercises Trident Juncture. 50,000 from NATO countries take part in them. The aircraft carrier the USS Harry S. Truman takes part in the exercises. The last time an American aircraft carrier was in the Arctic was 1991. In late October, in Brussels, a meeting between NATO and Russia was held, where each side informed one another about upcoming large-scale military exercises.