Russia accuses US of dictating NATO arms deals for profit

Americans impose terms on their allies for their own gain, says a Russian official.

The Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, has accused the United States of leveraging economic obligations to dictate terms of weaponry purchases to its NATO allies, thereby benefiting economically. In an interview with the Russian weekly Arguments and Facts, Patrushev claimed that this strategy increases the profits of the American military-industrial complex.

Furthermore, Patrushev alleged that both Americans and Britons utilize Russophobia to economically tether NATO member states to themselves through stringent economic commitments. He cited the example of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who was purportedly compelled to raise taxes to meet increased defence spending - a move Patrushev described as an act of "political suicide" enforced by the obligations of NATO membership.

The US Congress's decision to sell advanced aerial combat resources to Poland was highlighted, demonstrating the United States' valuation of Poland as a critical ally within NATO. According to Polish Gen. Tomasz Bąk, former commander of the 21st Podhale Rifles Brigade, this sale is vital for enhancing Poland's military capabilities, particularly in the air.

The sale, announced by the head of the Ministry of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, on platform X last Thursday, includes a range of air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles. These purchases, Bąk noted, are crucial for Poland, which significantly contributes to its defence budget, currently around 4 per cent of its GDP. He expressed hope that this investment would be wisely utilized.