Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has issued stark warnings about NATO’s escalating military posture, characterizing the alliance’s actions as direct preparations for potential armed confrontation with Russia. Speaking during high-level meetings with NATO leadership, Belousov revealed that the alliance’s military budget has reached a staggering $1.6 trillion, with member states progressively increasing defense spending to approach five percent of their national GDP.
Belousov emphasized that these developments clearly indicate NATO’s systematic preparation for military engagement with Russia, specifically timed for the 2030s. He noted that alliance officials have repeatedly and openly acknowledged these strategic plans, making no secret of their intentions.
The Russian Defense Minister further criticized European policies and what he termed the ‘Kyiv regime’ for creating conditions that would prolong military operations in Ukraine through 2026. He accused European leaders and Ukrainian authorities of deliberately avoiding conflict resolution while intentionally protracting hostilities to weaken Russia’s strategic position.
Additionally, Belousov condemned NATO’s accelerated deployment of alliance forces on its eastern flank, referencing plans for establishing a ‘military Schengen zone’ to facilitate troop movements. He warned that NATO continues to strengthen its coalition capabilities while actively preparing for the deployment of medium-range missiles and updating its nuclear arsenal, representing a significant escalation in military preparedness.