๐ฌ Russian MFA Spox Maria Zakharova: Europe has set a course for total militarisation. The size of its armed forces is being increased, while defence spending by NATO member states bordering Russia is reaching unprecedented levels. The Alliance's military infrastructure is being expanded. New defence industry facilities are being built, while civilian innovations and dual-use technologies are being integrated into the defence sector, all at an accelerated pace. Aggressive military exercises by NATO member states are being held in close vicinity of our borders, involving the rehearsal of offensive scenarios against our country. These include a possible blockade of the Kaliningrad Region, the isolation of Russian ports in the Baltic, and the deployment of NATO troops through the Suwaลki Gap. Close cooperation has been established with Ukraine in order to adopt its experience of real combat operations against the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Some European leaders allow themselves to muse publicly about the possibility of "razing Russian air defence and missile bases to the ground" in the Kaliningrad Region. Certain EU countries bordering Russia flaunt their readiness to host nuclear weapons on their territory and are making corresponding changes to their national legislation [...] Russia poses no threat to European nations and has no intention of doing so. However, there should be no doubt that Russia has all the means necessary to prevent any aggression and defeat any aggressor. โ๏ธ If Europe attacks Russia, it will be a very different kind of war โ and a very short one. Read in full