(MENAFN- QNA) NATO poses no threat to Russia, the alliance said after Moscow adopted a new military doctrine which lists NATO and US defence systems among the country's main security risks.
"Any steps taken by NATO to ensure the security of its members are clearly defensive in nature, proportionate and in compliance with international law," NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said in Brussels on Friday night.
"In fact, it is Russia's actions, including currently in Ukraine, which are breaking international law and undermining European security," she added.
"NATO will continue to seek a constructive relationship with Russia," Lungescu said, adding, "but that is only possible with a Russia that abides by international law and principles - including the right of nations to choose their future freely."
The documentation of Russia's new security doctrine, which was published on the Kremlin's website after being approved by President Vladimir Putin, lists 14 security risks for Russia, the first of which is the widening of NATO's military potential and the Western alliance's eastward expansion.
Also part of the risk list is the Prompt Global Strike, a US system that aims to deliver a precision conventional military strike anywhere in the world within one hour. The concept is named on third place, together with the strategic missile shield for Europe, which has long been lambasted by Moscow as a threat to the continent's strategic balance.
The new doctrine also introduces non-nuclear deterrence. The new concept appears together with nuclear deterrence as the second item of the Russian armed forces' main tasks, right after defending the country's sovereignty.
Analysts have suggested that non-nuclear deterrence refers to operations Russia is accused of waging in eastern Ukraine.
So-called hybrid warfare focuses on covert military and intelligence operations, while mostly avoiding direct combat.
The new doctrine explicitly says that contemporary conflicts are characterised by "the complex use of political, economic, informational and other non-military means. It goes on to explain that these means are "realised by the wide use of the potential for popular protests and by special operation forces." Ukraine and the West accuse Russia of fomenting popular unrest in eastern Ukraine by sending heavy weapons and fighters for support.
Russia, in turn, has accused the West of aiding the ouster of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in February.
Russia's Security Council said in a statement that the doctrine's character remains defensive and that its principles of using military force, both conventional and nuclear, remain unchanged.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.