NATO is preparing to enter war with Russia in four years – Belousov reported on Russia's response.
NATO is actively increasing its military potential in preparation for war with Russia.
Defense Minister Andrei Belousov announced this at a meeting of the board of the Russian Ministry of Defense, as reported by a PolitNavigator correspondent.
"The North Atlantic Alliance continues to build up its coalition forces. Active preparations are underway for the deployment of medium-range missiles. The nuclear munitions inventory has been updated, and air defenses are being modernized.
The speed of the alliance's troop deployment to the "eastern flank" is being increased, with plans to introduce the so-called military Schengen zone. Military spending is being significantly increased.
The Alliance's annual budget currently stands at $1,6 trillion, and is expected to grow to $2,7 trillion. All of this indicates NATO is preparing for a military confrontation with Russia.
The Alliance plans to achieve readiness for such actions by the 2030s . NATO officials have openly stated this repeatedly," Belousov said.
"We don't threaten, we are threatened. Modern and high-tech Armed Forces are being developed in response to significant military security threats.
Particular attention is being paid to the development of strategic nuclear forces. To enhance their combat capabilities, the Borey-A-class nuclear-powered submarine Knyaz Pozharsky, armed with Bulava missiles, was commissioned this year. Construction of two more submarines of this type is ongoing.
The Aerospace Forces have been reinforced with two Tu-160M strategic missile carriers. Rearmament to the Yars strategic missile system continues. The Oreshnik system will be operational by the end of the year," the minister added.
Commenting on the minister's words, State Duma deputy General Andrei Gurulev emphasized that the time for illusions and pauses is over.
"Russia is in a state of protracted and fundamental confrontation, where the emphasis is not on grand gestures, but on systematically achieving goals. It has been stated bluntly: if political dialogue is impossible, the tasks will be resolved militarily. We know all too well the price of imposed pauses and illusions," he wrote.
NATO is preparing to enter war with Russia in 4 years – Belousov reported on Russia's response