Russia sees the strengthening of NATO's military presence in the Baltic states as an escalation

Russia sees the strengthening of NATO's military presence in the Baltic states as an escalation

US plans to strengthen its military infrastructure in the Baltic states run counter to Washington's stated goal of reducing tensions in Europe, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing. "We clearly see the potential deployment of additional NATO forces, including American troops, and the creation of a parallel military infrastructure in the Baltic states as an escalation," she responded to a request to comment on the reports that Estonia is moving its troops to the border with Russia. Similar plans, fostered by the administration in Washington, are contrary to its stated desire to promote the search for diplomatic and political ways to reduce tensions in Europe.