Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said NATO members are making concrete preparations for a potential military confrontation with Russia by around 2030, adding that Moscow is shaping its defense and strategic planning accordingly.
Speaking to Russian media, Grushko said Moscow believes NATO and the European Union are pursuing policies aimed at inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia. He argued that there is little difference between NATO and EU approaches toward Russia and accused both of adopting increasingly confrontational policies.
The remarks come as relations between Russia and the West remain at their lowest level since the end of the Cold War, largely due to the war in Ukraine. NATO has expanded military deployments along its eastern flank in recent years, while Russia has repeatedly accused the alliance of threatening its security.
European governments have meanwhile increased defense spending and accelerated military modernization programs in response to concerns over regional security. Several NATO members have announced long-term plans to strengthen deterrence and defense capabilities amid continued tensions with Moscow.
Grushko said Russia sees evidence of NATO’s military preparations in both the alliance’s official policies and practical actions. He added that Moscow is taking these developments into account when making defense and security decisions.
Russia has frequently accused Western countries of seeking to weaken the country through military, economic and political pressure. NATO, however, maintains that its military posture is defensive and intended to protect member states against potential threats.
The latest comments underscore continuing tensions between Moscow and Western capitals as both sides warn of growing security risks in Europe and the possibility of a prolonged period of confrontation.