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Russia says will not allow threats to security from NATO forces

Russia's envoy to NATO said that Russia wanted no new cold war or arms race in Europe

© AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File

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MOSCOW, October 9. /TASS/. Russia's envoy to NATO said on Friday Moscow would take all necessary measures to protect its national security in response to the alliance’s plans to enhance its military presence in Eastern Europe.

"Russia will not allow any threat to its national security and will prevent vulnerability in any area," said Alexander Grushko.

"NATO military officers are talking about an ‘arc of steel’ that Russia has created along its borders but this is not the result of Russian efforts but rather the result of plans realised by NATO," he added.

The North Atlantic alliance’s buildup in a dangerous trend affecting regional security, Alexander Grushko said.

"This is a very dangerous development affecting security in the region and NATO countries, as well," Grushko said. "We are witnessing a major increase of the number of NATO drills along our borders."

He also said that Russia wanted no new cold war or arms race in Europe.

"We will make every effort to prevent the change of balance of forces in Europe. We don’t want it to lead to a new arms race and cold war confrontation schemes,’ Grushko said.

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