NATO's Military Buildup Near Russian Borders is Provocative, Says Russian Defense Minister

The increase of NATO and its member countries' military capabilities near Russian borders is deemed provocative. This statement was made by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to RIA Novosti, commenting on the construction of a military base in Lithuania intended for the deployment of Bundeswehr troops.

"We constantly emphasize that the activities and military build-up of NATO and its member countries near Russian borders are provocative in nature. This also applies to the planned deployment of a Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuanian territory, for which military bases are being built," the Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted.

It is worth noting that earlier reports in the media indicated that Lithuania had started construction of a military base, where 4,000 Bundeswehr soldiers are expected to be stationed by the end of 2027.