NATO’s plans to rearm member states, boost military budgets, and reform its command structure are being shaped in preparation for a potential military clash with Russia, according to Russia’s deputy foreign minister Alexander Grushko.

“If we look at NATO, we really see this,” Mr Grushko told RIA Novosti. “It is reflected not only in exercises but also in strategies to re-equip armies, increase military budgets, reform the command structure, and create new commands.

“All these military constructions are largely tailored to prepare for a military clash with Russia.” 

He said on the sidelines of the Forum of the Future 2050 that NATO’s military posture toward Russia was a defining reality that shaped Moscow’s political and military relations with member states of the alliance.

Russia has repeatedly criticised what it sees as NATO’s growing military presence near its western borders, accusing the alliance of using the narrative of a “Russian threat” to justify its eastward expansion.

The Russian foreign ministry states that Moscow remained open to dialogue with NATO, but only on equal terms.

It also urged Western countries to abandon their policy of militarising the continent.

(RIA/NAN)