Reuters — Russia would react to NATO build-up near borders as a "demonstration of hostile intentions"

Russia would consider any further expansion of NATO forces near its borders a "demonstration of hostile intentions" and would take political and military measures to ensure its own security, a senior diplomat was quoted on Monday as saying.

The comments come amid a deep crisis between Russia and the West over Ukraine and days after U.S. President Barack Obamaoffered increased military support for eastern European NATO members to ease their concerns over Moscow.

"We cannot see such a build-up of the alliance's military power near the border with Russia as anything else but a demonstration of hostile intentions," Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov told Interfax in an interview.

Speaking last week in NATO-member Poland, Obama unveiled plans to spend up to $1 billion on supporting and training the armed forces of alliance states bordering Russia.

Reuters
Russia would react to NATO build-up near borders: minister
Lidia Kelly and Gabriela Baczynska

Prepare for a ramp up of military spending by the US, NATO allies, Russia, and China. The arms race is on.