As NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) marks its 75th anniversary today, Russia says it is now in ‘direct confrontation’ members of the Western World’s intergovernmental military alliance comprising of of 32 member States – 30 European and two North American nations.
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said relations between Russia and NATO have slid to the level of direct confrontation, alleging that members of the alliance are involved in the war in Ukraine.
The Russian position is raising tensions and fears of creeping Third World War (WW3).
Peskov, who added that the military alliance is expanding its military infrastructure towards Russia’s borders, stated: “In fact, NATO continues to demonstrate its essence, because NATO was envisioned as an alliance, configured, created and managed by the United States as an instrument of confrontation, primarily on the European continent.
“NATO continues to fulfil its functions in this regard, which, however, in no way contributes to security, predictability and stability on the continent, but on the contrary – represents a destabilising factor.”
As part of activities its 75th anniversary, NATO Foreign Ministers are meeting to discuss long-term support for Ukraine.
The alliance says it has tried to avoid direct confrontation with Russia with British Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron ruling out putting boots on the ground in Ukraine.