NATO's decision to increase defense spending will not have a significant impact on Russia's security. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a press conference after talks with the Lao Foreign Minister, quoted by Reuters and TASS, BTA reports.
NATO member states have agreed to raise the collective defense spending target to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) within the next ten years. The measure is motivated by the need for a long-term response to the threat that Russia poses according to the alliance.
„As for the impact of this 5% target on our security, I don't think it will matter“, Lavrov said. “We clearly know what goals we are pursuing – we do not hide them, we declare them openly. They are completely legitimate under the UN Charter and international law. And we know by what means we will achieve them.“
NATO's decision comes against the backdrop of increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump on European allies to increase their military budgets, as well as heightened concerns in Europe following the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In response to the alliance's new plans, the Kremlin accused NATO of using the image of Russia as a “devil from hell“ to justify the bloc's large-scale militarization.
Moscow, for its part, is allocating over 40% of its state budget in 2025 for military and defense purposes. However, Russia categorically denies having any intentions to attack a NATO country.