Belarus accuses NATO of escalating military presence on eastern flank

Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin has accused NATO of bolstering its military presence on the eastern flank, citing an alleged threat from Belarus and Russia as the pretext. 

Speaking at the 11th Xiangshan International Security Forum, Khrenin criticized NATO member states for their increased military spending, which he said was presented with pride and the aim to meet or exceed the 2 per cent GDP benchmark for defence expenditures, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Khrenin pointed out that some NATO countries are pushing to raise military spending further, focusing on acquiring modern offensive weapons and enhancing their destructive capabilities under the guise of countering an imagined threat from Belarus and Russia. He emphasized that these actions are being justified by an unfounded narrative of planned aggression.

In addition to Khrenin’s remarks, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Colonel-General Aleksandr Fomin addressed the forum, highlighting NATO’s plans to send troops to Ukraine. Fomin suggested that this move aims to pressure Russia into accepting negotiation terms proposed by Kyiv. He warned that NATO’s actions could escalate tensions and potentially lead to a direct confrontation between nuclear powers.

Fomin also pointed out that the United States is revising its nuclear doctrine, which Moscow fears could lower the threshold for nuclear weapon use. This new development adds another layer of concern about the risk of increased military conflict and the implications for global security.

In related developments, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin suggested that NATO is already engaged in hostilities in Ukraine. 

In a recent Telegram post, Volodin claimed that the alliance’s involvement had escalated beyond providing advisory support to include mercenaries and entire units armed with NATO weapons.

He alleged that NATO countries, including the US, Germany, Britain, and France, were actively discussing long-range strikes on Russian territory and coordinating military actions within Ukraine.