Russia names US as threat to national security for first time

A new document signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin has, for the first time, named the United States as a threat to Russia’s national security, highlighting a rise in tensions between the two countries in recent years.

Putin signed the document, “About the Strategy of National Security of Russian Federation,” on New Year’s Eve, Reuters reported on Saturday.

The document, which serves as a basis for a planning strategy related to national security, replaces a 2009 version endorsed by current Prime Minister and then President Dmitry Medvedev.

The US was not included in the 2009 version of the document.

The document accuses the United States of expanding its network of military-biological laboratories in countries neighboring Russia.

"The strengthening of Russia happens against the background of new threats to the national security, which has complex and interrelated nature," the document said.

The new document also says Russia’s efforts to keep an independent “international and domestic” policy had caused “counteraction from the USA and its allies, which are striving to retain their dominance in global affairs.”

The signing of the document comes against the backdrop of a rising military presence by the US and its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies in Eastern Europe and the Baltics.

The document also names the expansion of NATO as a threat to Russia's national security.


Credit to PressTV