Russia denounces increased NATO activities near its borders

Havana, April 4 (RHC) The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is increasing its combat readiness and intensifying activities near the Russian and Belarusian borders, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced on Thursday.

According to the military high command, this NATO action creates the risk that the conflict in Ukraine will expand, but it will not affect the outcome of the special military operation.

In a remote meeting with the leadership of the Russian Armed Forces, Shoigu referred to the danger that the Atlantic alliance intensifies reconnaissance activities near the borders of Russia and Belarus, as well as the fact that Finland will become a member of the Alliance.

At the same time, the head of the military portfolio noted that the Atlantic Alliance countries are strengthening their approach against Russia, as the United States and its allies increase military assistance to Kiev, a move that would lead to an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.

They have stated that during this year alone they are ready to supply Kiev with more than 200 Western-made tanks and 400 modern armored fighting vehicles, Shoigu added. The Ukrainian Army receives long-range weapons, including rockets with an increased flight distance of up to 150 kilometers, he explained.

Finally, the West plans to transfer to Ukraine "ATACMS surface-to-surface tactical missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers, as well as F-16 tactical fighters," the Defense Minister concluded. (Source: Prensa Latina)