On May 27 (Moscow time), according to RIA Novosti news agency, Director Dr. Co Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Sergei Naryshkin accused NATO of taking practical preparations for what he called a "large-scale conflict in the east".
According to Mr. Naryshkin, NATO is increasing its military presence in eastern Europe and expanding operations near the Russian border area.
The head of the SVR also said that the European Union (EU) is accelerating rearmament and gradually transforming into an "anti-Russian military alliance".
The European Union is rapidly self-arming and turning into an anti-Russian military alliance," Mr. Naryshkin said, citing Russian media.
The above statements were made in the context of tensions between Russia and the West continuing to be maintained at a high level related to the conflict in Ukraine and increased military activities in Europe.
After the outbreak of war, NATO significantly increased its military presence in the eastern flank of Europe, especially in Poland and the Baltic countries. This alliance also continuously organizes large-scale exercises, expands defense cooperation and strengthens the deployment of forces in the region.
Meanwhile, many European countries have sharply increased their defense budgets and promoted military modernization programs. Germany, Poland and some NATO member countries recently announced many plans to increase military spending, expand air defense capabilities and develop the bloc's defense industry.
The EU is also promoting many cooperation programs to produce ammunition, air defense systems and drone technology to strengthen Europe's long-term defense capabilities.
Russia has repeatedly accused NATO of expanding its military presence near its borders and considers this a direct threat to national security.
On the NATO and EU sides, Western countries said that the current strengthening of military capabilities is aimed at ensuring security for Europe and supporting Ukraine in the context of prolonged conflict.
In recent months, Russian and Western officials have continuously issued tough warnings about the risk of escalating military tensions in Europe. However, there are currently no signs that the two sides are ready to significantly reduce military activities or change strategic positions in the short term.
