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Russia's New Military Doctrine Lists NATO, US as Major Threats

by VOA News December 26, 2014

Russia has adopted a new version of its military doctrine, naming NATO and the United States as major threats to its national security.

President Vladimir Putin approved the new doctrine Friday. Its core remains unchanged from the previous version.

The new sections outline the threat Russia sees in NATO's expansion and military buildup, and the alliance's move to take on what Russia considers "global functions realized with violation of international law."

'NATO poses no threat to Russia or to any nation,' an alliance official told VOA. 'Any steps taken by NATO to ensure the security of its members are clearly defensive in nature, proportionate and in compliance with international law. In fact, it is Russia's actions, including currently in Ukraine, which are breaking international law and undermining European security.'

NATO reaffirmed that it intends to continue seek a constructive relationship with Russia, '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.'

Among the military threats the new doctrine lists are new "strategic antiballistic missile systems,' which the Russian government says undermine global stability and the nuclear missile balance of power. The United States and some of its allies have expanded anti-missile systems in recent years, despite Moscow's objections.

The document also points to the threat of instability in countries bordering Russia or its allies and the possible deployment of foreign troops in those nations.

A civil conflict broke out in eastern Ukraine nearly a year ago, after protesters in Kyiv forced the country's president, an ally of Moscow, to flee to Russia. Since then, Russia has annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula, and Russian-backed separatists have battled Ukrainian government troops in the country's east.

Ukraine's pro-Western parliament overwhelmingly passed a law on Tuesday abolishing Kyiv's neutral, non-aligned status, a step some Ukrainians hope will lead to European Union and NATO membership.

Moscow was quick to react - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the law counterproductive.

NATO has boosted its military presence in Eastern Europe this year due to Russia's support for insurgents in eastern Ukraine.

Moscow has continuously denied supporting the rebellion.