Russian defence minister promises response to NATO’s buildup

MOSCOW – Russia’s defence minister says the military will respond in kind to NATO’s buildup near Russian borders.

Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday the deployment of additional NATO units and weapons in Eastern Europe “has undermined strategic stability.” He voiced concern that NATO’s activities near Russia’s borders could expand further following the alliance’s summit in July.

Shoigu said that NATO’s moves have prompted Russia to take countermeasures, adding that Russia’s western military district will receive 2,000 new weapons units this year. He noted that as part of the response to NATO’s buildup, Russia’s Baltic Fleet has received new ships and other weapons and the military has formed a new army corps to support it.

NATO has rotated weapons and troops to reassure its eastern members amid tensions with Russia over the Ukrainian crisis.

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