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Revised Russian Doctrine Calls NATO Main Threat

by VOA News December 26, 2014

Russia -- embroiled in a tense standoff with the West over the Ukraine crisis -- has identified NATO as its top military threat, in a revised military doctrine signed Friday by President Vladimir Putin.

The move, detailed in a 29-page document, comes just days after Ukraine's parliament voted overwhelmingly to scrap a law blocking Kyiv from pursuing membership in the Western military alliance.

Moscow's previous doctrine also named NATO as a top risk to Russian security and stability.The revisions announced Friday describe Ukraine as 'a frontline of confrontation,' though, and detail conditions under which the Kremlin could authorize the use of precision weaponry as 'part of strategic deterrent measures.'

NATO defense

Oana Lungescu said NATO moves to ensure the security of its members are, in her words, 'clearly defensive in nature, proportionate and in compliance with 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.'

NATO boosted its presence in eastern Europe earlier this year, after Russia defied Western warnings and annexed Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula in March. The annexation came weeks after pro-Western protests in Kyiv forced Russia-backed president Viktor Yanukovych from office.

A month later, pro-Russian separatists launched a rebellion near the Russian border that has claimed more than 4,700 lives.

Russian doctrine

Russia's doctrine lists several military threats. They include "strategic antiballistic missile systems,' which Russia says undermine the nuclear 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.

Russia issued the statement almost one year after a conflict erupted in eastern Ukraine 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.