Russia declares the United States and NATO as threats to its national security

A new document, signed by President Vladimir Putin, has described NATO's activities as threat to the country's security with the United States accused of pressuring Moscow further. According to reports, the recent declaration is a clear sign of the waning relations between Washington and Moscow.

According to Reuters, Putin signed the document "About the Strategy of National Security of Russian Federation" on New Year's Eve. The appraisal will replace a similar document signed by former President Dmitry Medvedev in 2009. Medvedev is the present prime minister but it can be noted that during his endorsement of the document in 2009, he did not mention NATO or the United States. According to the appraisal, Russia has gained a more considerable role in addressing international conflicts with a corresponding reaction from the West.

"The strengthening of Russia happens against the background of new threats to the national security, which has complex and interrelated nature," stipulated the document. However, due to Russia's development of international and domestic policies, the United States and its allies saw it inevitable to emphasise their dominance in world affairs. The document concluded that such actions will potentially result to "political, economical, military and informational pressure" on Russia.

Furthermore, Financial Times reported that the document also contained a series of complaints against NATO. These include "further expansion of alliance," “the intensification of military activities of member countries," including “moving military infrastructure closer to Russia’s borders." All of these threaten the country's national security, according to the document.

"The buildup of the military potential of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and vesting it with global functions implemented in violations of norms of international law, boosting military activity of the bloc’s countries, further expansion of the alliance, the approach of its military infrastructure to Russian borders create a threat to the national security," explained the document via TASS.

Russia's recent accusations and declarations against the mentioned parties are expected to strain relations further.

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