Russia’s foreign intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin has accused NATO of making preparations for what he described as a “large-scale conflict in the east,” according to Russian state media.
Speaking on Thursday, Naryshkin, who heads Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence service, claimed the Western military alliance was carrying out practical military preparations near Russia’s borders.
The comments were reported by Russia’s state-owned RIA news agency amid continuing tensions between Moscow and the West over the war in Ukraine and NATO’s growing military presence in Eastern Europe.
Naryshkin also accused the European Union of rapidly increasing military spending and transforming itself into what he called a military bloc “directed against Russia.”
His remarks come as several European countries continue to boost defence budgets and strengthen military cooperation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
NATO has repeatedly insisted that its military deployments and exercises are defensive in nature and aimed at protecting member states from potential security threats.
The alliance has expanded troop deployments across Eastern Europe in recent years, citing concerns over Russian military activity and regional security instability.
Meanwhile, European leaders have continued discussions on strengthening collective defence capabilities, with many countries increasing arms production and support for Ukraine.
Russia has frequently criticised NATO expansion and Western military assistance to Kyiv, describing them as direct threats to its national security.
No immediate response was issued by NATO or the European Union regarding Naryshkin’s latest comments.
