Germany criticizes NATO for being 'belligerent' towards Russia

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier criticized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for its aggressive policy toward Russia.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Photo: Reuters.

"We should avoid fueling the situation by being aggressive and advancing," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in an interview with Bild newspaper, due to be published tomorrow, referring to NATO's plans to increase troops in the Baltic region and eastern European member states near Russia's border.

According to Mr. Steinmeier, the idea that we can "strengthen security in the alliance with symbolic tank parades on the eastern border is wrong."

NATO announced on June 13 that it would send four battalions to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to counter "Russian aggression." All four countries have been influenced by Moscow and have become fearful after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in March 2014.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on June 16 accused Russia of seeking to create a "sphere of influence by military means". "We are witnessing a large-scale militarization of NATO borders, the Arctic, the Baltic, from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean," he said.

Mr. Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO does not want confrontation with Russia and wants effective dialogue, but the alliance will protect its 28 members against any threats.

Russia strongly opposes NATO expansion into former Soviet states. Moscow announced last month it would set up three divisions in the southwest to counter what it called a dangerous buildup of troops along Russia's borders.

According to VNE