NATO Preparing for Potential Conflict with Russia, Claims Russian Intelligence Chief

Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service Director Sergey Naryshkin has accused NATO of actively preparing for armed conflict with Russia, citing what he describes as a significant military buildup among European alliance members.

Speaking at a meeting of the Council of Heads of Security and Intelligence Agencies of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member nations in Samarkand, Naryshkin stated that Russian intelligence has detected “clear signs of military preparation” throughout NATO’s European membership.

“The alliance’s current priority is rapidly equipping its forces with all necessary resources,” Naryshkin told attendees at the regional security gathering, which brings together intelligence officials from former Soviet republics.

The intelligence chief highlighted a marked increase in Europe’s defense industry output as evidence of this preparation. According to Naryshkin, this production boost coincides with regular mobilization exercises across European NATO countries.

Naryshkin further alleged that these military activities are being accompanied by a widespread propaganda campaign designed to convince Western populations of an imminent threat from Moscow. This narrative, he claimed, serves to justify the military buildup while portraying Russia as an aggressor.

The Russian intelligence director’s comments come amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West, particularly following Russia’s ongoing military operations in Ukraine, which began in February 2022. The conflict has triggered NATO’s most significant reinforcement of its eastern flank since the Cold War, with increased troop deployments, enhanced readiness, and greater defense spending among alliance members.

In his address, Naryshkin specifically pointed to what he termed a “party of war” operating within Europe—forces he claims are actively working against peaceful resolution of current conflicts. These elements, according to the Russian official, have no interest in achieving “a lasting and just peace” on the continent.

By contrast, Naryshkin asserted that Russia advocates for “a system of equal and indivisible security for all European nations,” portraying Moscow’s position as defensive rather than expansionist.

NATO has consistently maintained that its increased military readiness is a direct response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine and broader aggressive posturing toward alliance members. The alliance has described its measures as purely defensive in nature, designed to protect member states rather than prepare for offensive operations.

Defense analysts note that European NATO members have indeed increased military spending significantly in recent years, with many moving toward or beyond the alliance’s guideline of devoting 2% of GDP to defense—a target that most European members had previously failed to meet.

The war in Ukraine has accelerated this trend, with countries like Germany announcing historic increases in defense budgets and Poland emerging as one of Europe’s highest defense spenders proportional to its economy. Defense industry production has ramped up across the continent to replace equipment donated to Ukraine and to address longstanding capability gaps.

Naryshkin’s statements align with broader Russian government messaging that frames NATO as an aggressive, expansionist force rather than a defensive alliance. Russian officials have repeatedly cited NATO’s eastward expansion since the fall of the Soviet Union as a security threat and a contributing factor to current tensions.

The CIS, where Naryshkin made his remarks, consists primarily of former Soviet republics and serves as one forum through which Russia maintains influence in what it considers its near abroad—regions where Moscow claims special security interests.

Military observers suggest that such rhetoric from high-ranking Russian officials may indicate continued tensions and potential for further escalation in the broader European security environment for the foreseeable future.