BRUSSELS, August 5 (RIA Novosti) – NATO leadership’s remarks about Russia are creating Cold-War atmosphere within the military bloc, Russia's Permanent Mission to NATO stated on its Twitter page Tuesday.
“Ungrounded statements by NATO leadership are creating Cold-War climate within the alliance,” Russia's Permanent Mission to NATO stated on Twitter, following a recent remark by NATO Deputy Secretary-General Alexander Vershbow.
Earlier in the day, Vershbow wrote on his Twitter page that Russia broke international law, invaded Ukraine, backed separatists and has some 20,000 soldier along its border with Ukraine. The NATO second-in-command added that NATO has never looked for pretext to stir tensions with Russia.
On Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that NATO has revived its propaganda against Moscow “to justify the alleged need to 'rally its ranks' in the face of an imaginary external threat to NATO, to increase military expenditure and to boost the demand for the alliance in the 21st century." The ministry also sharply criticized NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen for his ungrounded confrontational rhetoric against Russia that resembles ‘Cold War’ propaganda clichés.
In a Sunday interview with French newspaper Midi Libre, Rasmussen said the alliance would draw up new defense plans in the face of alleged "Russia's aggression" against Ukraine, and again encouraged NATO countries to increase their defense spending.
The West has repeatedly accused Russia of building up its forces on its border with eastern Ukraine and supplying independence supporters with weapons. The West has failed to provide any proof so far.
Moscow has rejected these claims. The Russian Defense Ministry said in the past four months 18 international inspection teams visited the areas in Russia bordering Ukraine and found “no violations or undeclared military activity.” President Vladimir Putin said that before accusing Russia one has to show real evidence. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that before accusing Russia one has to show real evidence.
