BRUSSELS - NATO poses no threat either to Russia or any other country, NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu told Interfax on Dec. 26 when asked to comment on the section of Russia's new military doctrine concerning NATO.
“Any steps taken by NATO to ensure the security of its members are
clearly defensive in nature, proportionate and in compliance with
international law,” Lungescu said.
“In fact, it is Russia’s actions, including currently in Ukraine,
which are breaking international law and undermining European security,”
she said.
“NATO will continue to seek a constructive relationship with Russia,
as we have done for more than two decades. But that is only possible
with a Russia that abides by international law and principles –
including the right of nations to choose their future freely,” Lungescu
said.
It was reported earlier on Dec. 26 that Russian President Vladimir
Putin had endorsed a new edition of Russia’s military doctrine.
Inter alia, the updated military doctrine published on the Kremlin website on Dec. 26 takes into consideration “the buildup of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO’s) force potential and its investment with global functions exercised in violation of international law norms, the advance of NATO member-states’ military infrastructure toward the Russian Federation’s borders, including through the bloc’s further enlargement,” and “attempts by certain states (groups of states) to achieve military superiority by deploying strategic missile defense systems.
