The European Union is turning into a military-political-economic bloc, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Earlier, the Izvestia newspaper, citing the Russian embassy in the Netherlands, reported that the Netherlands is modernizing air bases and military-logistics facilities, expanding opportunities for deploying allied forces and conducting joint exercises. The Hague is also increasing its participation in long-term military support programs for Kyiv.
Peskov was asked what the Kremlin thinks about this report, as the Netherlands' military infrastructure is integrated into the alliance's military planning system. "In fact, a military identity is developing within the European Union, and the European Union itself is turning into a military-political-economic bloc," Peskov said.
In recent years, Russia has observed unprecedented NATO activity near its western borders. The alliance is expanding its initiatives, calling it "deterring Russian aggression." Russian authorities have repeatedly expressed concern about the buildup of bloc forces in Europe and reiterated that the West should abandon the policy of militarizing the continent.