(MENAFN) Russia is not seeking confrontation with NATO, but may be compelled to take steps to safeguard its security amid what the Kremlin calls the alliance’s increasingly “militaristic” rhetoric, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.

Peskov’s comments followed remarks by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who told Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung last week that Russia could strike a NATO member “as early as 2028” or even next year. Pistorius used the warning to advocate for a faster militarization of Germany and an overhaul of its armed forces.

“This militaristic rhetoric is increasingly heard from European capitals,” Peskov told reporters, stressing that “such statements do not improve the situation” and only escalate tensions.
“Russia does not advocate any confrontation with NATO. But must take measures to ensure our security and interests if forced,” he emphasised.

Western officials, including Pistorius, have frequently cited the threat of potential Russian aggression to justify increased military spending, such as the European Union’s €800 billion ReArm Europe plan and NATO members’ commitments to boost defense budgets to 5% of GDP. Moscow has dismissed such claims as “nonsense.”

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, also weighed in on Pistorius’ interview, saying it leaves “no doubt who the aggressor is,” given his push to expand Germany’s military capacity. Earlier, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Germany of showing “clear signs of re-Nazification.”

The Kremlin has repeatedly expressed alarm over NATO’s growing footprint along Russia’s western borders, citing expanded troop deployments and frequent drills in Eastern Europe, which the alliance frames as deterrence. Peskov stressed that Russia poses no threat but will not ignore activities it considers dangerous to its national security.

MENAFN18112025000045017169ID1110360542