Russian lawmaker comments on NATO’s new military buildup plans

NATO’s new plans of military buildup and increasing defense spending by its member countries pose no threat to Russia even if they are implemented, chairman of the defense and security committee of Russia’s Federation Council upper parliament house Viktor Bondarev said.

"Our defense in strong, as is our military might. We are capable of countering any potential military threat," he said, noting that Russia’s geopolitical opponents "are fully aware of that."

According to Bondarev, the US is having a decisive influence within NATO. "So, by its behest and under its leadership the allies will be building up defense spending to bring it up to record-breaking figures in 2019. It is not a consolidated decision but the one taken under the United States’ pressure," TASS cited Bondarev as saying.

"US top brass are ready to initiate and announce any ambitious plans to have more budget money," the Russian lawmaker stressed.