(MENAFN) Russia has expressed that it does not seek conflict with NATO, but may be compelled to take steps to protect its security in response to what it perceives as the alliance’s increasingly “militaristic” rhetoric, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Peskov’s comments followed remarks made by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who stated in an interview with a news agency that Russia could potentially attack a NATO member "as early as 2028" or even next year.

Pistorius made this statement to press Germany into accelerating its military build-up and revamping its defense forces.

Peskov responded by noting that such "militaristic rhetoric" is becoming more prevalent in European capitals and emphasized that these types of statements only serve to heighten tensions, rather than improve the situation.

He reiterated that Russia does not seek confrontation with NATO, but would be forced to take necessary measures to safeguard its own security and interests if required.

In recent years, Western officials, including Pistorius, have frequently pointed to the threat of alleged Russian aggression to justify increasing military expenditures, such as the Brussels €800 billion ReArm Europe initiative and NATO members’ commitment to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP. Moscow has firmly dismissed these allegations, labeling them as “nonsense.”

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also weighed in on Pistorius' remarks, asserting that they make it "abundantly clear who the aggressor is," due to his efforts to enhance Germany’s military capabilities.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has previously expressed concerns, warning that Germany is exhibiting “clear signs of re-Nazification.”

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