Russia Responds to NATO's Increased Military Spending Plans

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has dismissed NATO's recent military spending increase as a non-threat to Russia's security. He emphasized Moscow's openness to peace talks if core issues regarding the Ukraine conflict are addressed. Lavrov's remarks followed a NATO summit where member states pledged to raise defense budgets significantly. He reiterated that Russia has no plans to attack NATO countries and criticized the West for using unfounded claims to justify military expansions. The article explores the implications of NATO's decisions and Russia's stance on ongoing tensions in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 27, 2025, 21:54 IST

Russia's Stance on NATO's Military Expansion

On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commented on NATO's recent decision to boost military expenditures, asserting that it will not have a significant impact on Russia's security, as reported by a news outlet.

During a press conference, Lavrov rejected the West's portrayal of a Russian threat as baseless and reiterated Moscow's willingness to engage in peace negotiations, provided that the fundamental issues surrounding the Ukraine conflict are addressed. His statements followed the NATO summit in The Hague, where member nations committed to raising defense spending to 5% of their GDP by 2035, citing a 'long-term threat from Russia to Euro-Atlantic security.'

US President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as a 'monumental win,' emphasizing his long-standing call for European allies to enhance their defense contributions.

When asked if Russia perceives NATO's military buildup as a threat, Lavrov responded, 'I don’t think it will have any significant effect.'

He further stated, 'We are clear about our objectives; we do not conceal them, and they are entirely legitimate under any interpretation of the UN Charter and international law. We are aware of the means by which we will achieve these objectives.'

The news outlet reported that Moscow has consistently denied any intentions to attack NATO nations, labeling such claims as 'nonsense' used by Western officials to rationalize increased military budgets. Lavrov also expressed Russia's readiness for dialogue, contingent upon NATO addressing core issues, including its expansion towards Russian borders and ongoing military support for Ukraine's NATO aspirations.

Earlier this month, the European Commission approved around €335 billion in pandemic recovery funds for military purposes. In May, it introduced a €150 billion debt facility to bolster defense initiatives, allowing Ukraine access to these resources alongside EU member states. Moscow has condemned these actions as indicative of NATO's persistent hostility.

Additionally, President Vladimir Putin has accused the alliance of fabricating threats to sway public opinion and escalate an arms race. At the summit, when questioned about the basis for NATO's warnings regarding a Russian threat, Secretary General Mark Rutte reportedly could not provide specific intelligence assessments, instead referring to general concerns.