Russia’s intelligence chief accuses NATO of preparing for confrontation “‘Macrons’ and ‘Merzes’ can offer nothing but Russophobia”

The head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), Sergey Naryshkin, has alleged that NATO’s European members are taking steps to prepare for a possible conflict with Russia.

Naryshkin claimed that “European allies within NATO are making preparations for war with our country” and that the Alliance has been instructed to rapidly supply its Allied Response Forces with the necessary resources, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

He also criticised what he described as an atmosphere of “Russophobia” among European leaders, naming French President Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as examples.

According to Naryshkin, Europe remains “accustomed to living under American influence” since the end of the Second World War and is struggling to adjust to shifting global dynamics. He suggested that pessimism prevails within European foreign ministries due to what he called a lack of medium- and long-term security strategies.

The Russian intelligence chief further alleged that European states are expanding their defence industries, conducting regular mobilisation exercises, and increasing what he described as “propaganda” about a potential Russian threat.

NATO and European governments have consistently stated that their defence initiatives are strictly precautionary and designed to strengthen collective security in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

By Aghakazim Guliyev