Kremlin describes NATO as "instrument of aggression & confrontation"

To increase air defense capabilities by 400%

The Kremlin has described NATO as "an instrument of aggression and confrontation," while its Secretary General Mark Rutte is scheduled to call on member states on Monday to increase their air defense capabilities by 400%, according to Agence France-Presse.

"NATO, having taken off its mask, is demonstrating in every possible way its nature as an instrument of aggression and confrontation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said during his daily briefing.

Recently, Rutte on Monday was due to urge a "400-percent increase" in the transatlantic alliance's air and missile defense capacities in response to the threat from Russia.

"We see in Ukraine how Russia delivers terror from above, so we will strengthen the shield that protects our skies. Our militaries also need thousands more armored vehicles and tanks, millions more artillery shells," Rutte was due to say in a speech to the Chatham House think-tank in London, according to comments quoted in a statement.