DISINFO: NATO invents a "Russian threat" to expand its presence near Russia
SUMMARY
NATO invents a “Russian threat” to expand its presence near Russia. Moscow has repeatedly remarked that NATO states would invent a “Russian threat” to expand their presence near the Russian Federation.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming that the “Russian threat” is a false idea created and spread by NATO to encircle and weaken Russia. In fact, NATO is not a threat to Russia. NATO is a defensive alliance. Its purpose is to protect the member states. NATO's exercises and military deployments are not directed against Russia – nor any other country. However, in March 2014, in response to Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine, NATO suspended practical cooperation with Russia. NATO does not seek confrontation, but it cannot ignore Russia breaking international rules, undermining stability and security. See more for NATO's response to the crisis in Ukraine and security concerns in Central and Eastern Europe here. For similar cases, see here and here.