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Investing.com -- The Kremlin expressed criticism on Monday regarding NATO’s proposed plan to significantly increase its air and missile defense capabilities. The Russian government views this move as confrontational and believes it will be European taxpayers who bear the cost of mitigating a threat that, in their view, does not exist.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who advocates for member nations to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP and allocate an additional 1.5% to broader security-related expenses, was scheduled to deliver a speech in London on Monday. In his speech, Rutte was expected to argue for a 400% increase in air and missile defense capabilities for the alliance.
When questioned about Rutte’s intended remarks on air and missile defense, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed to reporters that NATO is not a tool for maintaining stability and security in Europe. Instead, he described it as a mechanism designed for confrontation.
Peskov argued that NATO has so far managed to conceal its confrontational nature, but it is now revealing its true character. He further stated that it would be European taxpayers who would ultimately bear the burden.
"European taxpayers will spend their money to defuse some threat that they say comes from our country, but it is nothing but an ephemeral threat," Peskov stated. According to the Kremlin, the perceived threat from Russia that has prompted NATO’s proposed defense increase is not substantial.
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