Russia denies hybrid warfare on NATO, blames Alliance's exercises

The spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Moscow is not involved in hybrid attacks on NATO countries. According to the Kremlin representative, these are "accusations meant to divert attention from the Alliance's actions," including from maneuvers such as Steadfast Defender 2024.

Many of the statements given by Russian state media or Kremlin officials are likely not true. These reports can be part of an information war by the Russian Federation.

Let's recall that the Steadfast Defender 2024 exercises are a reaction of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the brutal Russian aggression in Ukraine and the Kremlin's threats against NATO countries. They are designed to verify the Alliance's ability to rapidly mobilize and transport American troops to strengthen the defence of Europe.

Manoeuvres are conducted from the Atlantic to NATO's eastern flank. The scenario of the initiative assumes participation in a conflict with an "adversary of comparable size".

Maria Zakharova announced on Saturday that it is NATO "that started hybrid warfare with Russia, supporting Ukraine financially, providing Kyiv with intelligence information and weaponry" - reports Reuters.

"Currently, the largest NATO exercises since the Cold War times are taking place near the borders of Russia, Steadfast Defender. According to their scenario, coalition actions against Russia are practised using all instruments, including hybrid and conventional weapons," stated the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman.

"We have to admit that NATO is seriously preparing for a potential military conflict with our country," she added.

"Relations between Russia and the West are the most hostile in decades. This is the result of the war that Russia started in Ukraine in 2022," emphasizes Reuters.