Increase of number, scale of NATO trainings near Russian border concerns Russia - Lukashevich
MOSCOW. Feb 19 (Interfax) - The intensification of the steps taken by NATO in Eastern Europe, including the creation of six permanent command and headquarters structures, is confrontational in nature and Russia is extremely concerned about it.
"We have noticed the plans to create within the shortest period of time possible six permanent command and headquarters structures in the countries of Eastern Europe and the Baltic states to prepare and coordinate NATO trainings conducted in the region and ensure prompt reaction and management of NATO reaction forces, which were announced at the meeting of the NATO Council at the level of the defense ministers. Essentially, planned reconfiguration of forces is taking place in Europe," Russian Foreign Ministry official Alexander Lukashevich told a briefing in Moscow.
"Clearly, the steps taken by NATO under the pretext of non-existent threat from the east along with the logic of so-called frontline states, which is being actively promoted by the Baltic states with direct support from the U.S., may have long-term negative implications on the existing security system in Europe and the Atlantic and they are highly confrontational in nature because they fuel military and political tensions near the Russian borders," Lukashevich said.
"The consistent practical implementation of the decisions made at the NATO summit in Wales on increasing the military potential of NATO, increasing military presence on the eastern flank, and increasing the number and scale of NATO trainings near the Russian borders cannot help but cause concerns," he said.
