Vladimir Putin has finally spoken out about the growing fears that Russia might launch a massive attack on Europe. The tension between Russia and NATO is rising due to Moscow's strong opposition to the West's support for Ukraine in the ongoing war.
Over the past few months, Putin and his Russian allies have made several indirect threats against NATO, raising concerns that he might be provoked into attacking nearby Baltic states. However, the Russian president has now dismissed these claims.
Speaking to Russian air force pilots on Wednesday night, Putin insisted that Russia has "no aggressive intentions" towards countries like Poland or the Baltic states. He said: "The idea that we will attack some other country - Poland, the Baltic States, and the Czechs are also being scared - is complete nonsense. It's just drivel."
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The ministry also alleged that "strengthening coalition potentials" are taking place in Poland and surrounding Baltic countries, reports the Express.
"The expansion of the Romanian air base is further proof that the North Atlantic bloc continues the unrestrained militarization of Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region", per a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry to RIA Novosti, expressing concern over NATO's actions.
NATO has bolstered its installations along the borders of Russia. Romania has recently begun construction on what will likely be NATO's largest military base in Europe a £ 2 billion project.
This move signifies NATO's plans to boost its presence in the Black Sea region, seeming to counter increased Russian activity. The facility will expand the Romanian Air Force 52nd Air Base Mihail Kogalniceanu, near Constanta, a key port city on the Black Sea.
The new installation will stretch over nearly 20 miles, cover just about 11 square miles, and home to around 10,000 NATO personnel and their families.
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