According to a recent news, NATO criticized Russia's "aggressive military posturing" and that it does not help alleviate tensions between the two. It also asked the country to clarify about their military actions to prevent confusions.
In a statement by Russian president Vladimir Putin, he acknowledged moving his nuclear-enabled missiles close to Europe, in response to NATO's extension into Baltic territory. To reinforce their stance, Russia deployed sophisticated nuclear weaponry in Kaliningrad, an exclave between Poland and Lithuania, The Telegraph reported.
In an interview, Putin said that after NATO's decision, the country had to prepare for its countermeasures by positioning their nuclear weapons towards the establishments that are a potential threat to Russia.
Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that the deployment was "a logical response to a hostile West." He also highlighted that NATO's amplified troops towards Russian borders and US's missile defence shield across Europe is a cause of concern for Russia.
"Russia is doing everything necessary to ensure its security in the face of expansion by Nato towards its borders," he said.
Even though NATO and Washington deny the claims, Kremlin believes that the missile shield constructed by US is targeted to neutralize Moscow's nuclear weapons just long enough to prevent Russia's strike, should there be a war.
As EU member states strengthen its military ties, tensions between Moscow and NATO are at an all time high. Following the European parliament vote to enhance their defence coordination, Russia issued a warning to NATO. Russia insists that they will do whatever it takes to safeguard their borders if NATO continues to threaten its integrity.
Russian Senator Franz Klintsevich, also a member of the defense and security committee for Russia's Upper House, has already justified their country's actions as their defence mechanism against NATO's aggressive stance.
According to analysts, Russia is regaining its power which could be a direct threat to the West. Experts also point out that Putin will not declare all out war but will trigger it delicately.
