Russia accuses NATO of being unwilling to engage in equal dialogue.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu accused NATO on October 23 of gradually massing forces near Russia's borders and of being unwilling to discuss European security issues with Russia on equal terms.
This is the latest sign of tension between Russia and NATO after NATO defense ministers agreed on a new defense plan against any threat from Russia. According to the German Defense Minister, the plan is a deterrent, but Russia argues that NATO's actions demonstrate that Russia's decision to sever ties with NATO was justified.
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| Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Photo: Reuters |
Russia had previously closed its diplomatic missions to NATO and the alliance's mission in Moscow after NATO expelled eight Russians on espionage charges. According to Shoigu, European security is a common interest, but it must not infringe upon Russia's interests. NATO is not ready for equal dialogue on this issue. The Russian Defense Minister also cited NATO's deterrence plan in Afghanistan as an example, which ended in a disaster that the world is now suffering.