Russia must prepare for a war with NATO and at the same time complete its military campaign against Ukraine. This was stated by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov during a joint meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the Defense Ministry, reports the European edition of Politico, quoted by Focus.
"The Russian Defense Ministry must be ready for any development of events, including a possible military conflict with NATO in Europe in the next decade“, the minister emphasized.
Belousov said that Russia has taken the initiative on the battlefield and aims to completely conquer the Ukrainian Luhansk, Zaporizhia, Kherson and Donetsk regions by next year. He claims that Ukrainian troops are exhausted and the Russian army is advancing rapidly on all fronts.
The minister added that the Russian army has managed to recruit more than 427,000 soldiers this year, or an average of 1,200 per day. However, he warned that Moscow must be ready for a possible confrontation with NATO.
"The threat is evidenced by the decisions taken at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in July this year. It is also reflected in the doctrinal documents of the United States and other NATO countries," he added.
For his part, President Vladimir Putin accused the United States of "scaring people with a mythical Russian threat" while sending "instructors" to assist Ukrainian forces.
"Russia is approaching the red line beyond which it can no longer retreat and must respond", Putin warned.
The Russian president blamed NATO for the escalating tensions with the West.
"NATO countries are increasing military spending and their military contingents near Russia's borders. The number of American troops in Europe has already exceeded 100,000," Putin added.