The Kremlin expressed his disagreement with NATO’s strategic defense intentions. Russian leaders perceive them as an escalation of tension.
Russia criticized the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) for “lush militarization” on Tuesday. Declarations were heard before the start of the Alliance summit in the Hague, Netherlands, where Member States should approve an increase in annual defense expenses to five percent of GDP. TASR reports this based on AFP and Reuters reports.
“The Alliance is certainly embarking on the path of lush militarization. Europe is going on the path of lush militarization. This is a reality that surrounds us,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in front of journalists.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused NATO of exceeding traditional work and efforts to gain influence in the Middle East, South Caucasus, Central Asia, the Arctic and Indo-Pacific region in a separate statement.
On Tuesday, the Hague starts 34. Leaders are expected to officially approve the commitment of a significant increase in defense expenses.
US President Donald Trump said the demand for the defense spending before his re -starting in January this year. A month earlier, he threatened the Allies with the United States from the Alliance unless other members increase their defense contributions. Later, the current NATO Secretary -General Mark Rutte joined the call for higher spending.
