NewsRussian Security Chief accuses US of exploiting NATO ties for gain

Russian Security Chief accuses US of exploiting NATO ties for gain

US dictates terms to allies for its benefit, claims Russian Security Chief.

Images source: © PAP | ALEXEI DANICHEV / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN POOL

7:33 PM EDT, April 2, 2024

The Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, has voiced his opinion that the United States leverages its position to economically and militarily bind its NATO allies to it, benefiting in the process. He also mentioned that both Americans and the British utilize Russophobia to ensure their partners remain closely tied to them through economic commitments.

Russian media reports and government statements often carry propagandistic elements, contributing to the ongoing informational conflict led by the Russian Federation.

In an interview with the Russian periodical "Arguments and Facts," published on Tuesday, Patrushev remarked on the US's role in obligating NATO members to purchase specific weaponry and gear from its manufacturers, as reported by Reuters Agency. "The United States gains from bolstering the military-industrial complex and prescribing the purchase conditions for particular weapon and uniform types from their producers," he stated.

Patrushev highlighted how exploiting Russophobia enables Americans and Britons to solidify their economic grip on other NATO states. He cited Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas's move to increase defense spending and taxes as an example. He argued that Kallas was compelled to make this politically risky decision to adhere to the alliance's demand for increased military expenditure.

The Russian Security Chief also touched upon NATO's involvement in Ukraine. "The North Atlantic Alliance is effectively engaged in the Ukrainian conflict, organizing bombardments on Russian territories and participating in the conflict," Patrushev asserted. He added, "The alliance collectively decides on new weapon deliveries with advanced technical capabilities and long range. Moreover, NATO trainers prepare mercenaries and saboteurs for anti-Russian operations in several countries."

Poland, a key ally for the US

The US Congress's decision to sell aerial combat resources to Poland underlines the country's status as a pivotal NATO ally, according to Polish Gen. Tomasz Bąk, former commander of the 21st Podhale Rifles Brigade. In a conversation with the Polish Press Agency (PAP) on Thursday, he emphasized the ammunition's significance in enhancing the air forces' combat proficiency.

The Ministry of National Defense's head, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, revealed on the social platform X that the US had agreed to sell Poland an assortment of air ammunition, including long-range JASSM-ER air-to-ground missiles, medium-range AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, and short-range AIM-9X missiles.

Gen. Bąk highlighted the urgent need for such weaponry in Poland. "A plane or missile launcher is futile without ammunition. This purchase significantly boosts our air forces' combat capabilities," he explained. He also praised Poland's defense expenditure, around 4 percent of its GDP, as a sign of wise and effective financial management.

In Gen. Bąk's view, the US's repeated affirmation of Poland's significant defense spending showcases the country as a regional prime military partner. "Leading the way in NATO initiatives, Poland has lived up to the trust it was given 25 years ago upon joining the alliance," he concluded.

Sources: Reuters, PAP