Ukraine Crisis Nullified All Progress in Russia-NATO Relations – Official

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MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Ukraine conflict has caused a collapse of all the positive aspects of Russia’s relations with NATO, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov told RIA Novosti Saturday.

“The crisis in Ukraine has led to strained relations with European countries. All the positive things that have been achieved with the alliance have collapsed. Instead of cooperation and confidence-building measures, NATO members have turned towards confrontation.”

NATO is currently carrying out an “unprecedented and unjustified increase” of its activities near Russia’s borders, he said.

“At the same time, Russia’s armed forces are being accused of all kinds of mortal sins.”

NATO has boosted its presence near Russia’s borders over the past year, causing concern in Moscow.

In February, the alliance announced that its Rapid Response Force would be increased from 13,000 to 30,000 military personnel, and six new command posts would be created in NATO states close to Russia.