Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said NATO member states are preparing for a potential military confrontation with Russia.

According to Grushko, the issue goes beyond increasingly tough rhetoric and is reflected in the alliance’s practical steps. He pointed to military programs, large-scale exercises by NATO countries, and the expansion of logistics infrastructure along the bloc’s eastern flank.

Grushko also noted that Russia is described as a direct, immediate and long-term threat in NATO’s military and strategic documents, adding that similar language has also appeared in European Union policy papers.

At the same time, he stressed that Moscow has the capabilities needed to defend its borders and national interests under any scenario.

The Russian diplomat also drew attention to NATO’s growing activity in the Baltic region. In his view, the Baltic Sea has changed within just a few years from a relatively calm area into a zone of intense military rivalry. He warned that the concentration of military activity increases the risk of unexpected incidents and could trigger escalation, including developments that may become difficult to control.

Grushko also said Western countries increasingly regard the Arctic as an arena of geopolitical competition and are seeking to strengthen their military presence in the region.