Russian Security Council Secretary Shoigu Accuses NATO of Preparing Attacks on Russia and Belarus

Shoigu Alleges NATO Aggression Preparations

Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, has publicly accused the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of actively preparing for attacks on both Russia and Belarus. In an interview with Interfax on February 12, 2026, Shoigu stated that the military situation along NATO's eastern flank has become 'threatening'. He asserted that European nations are undergoing 'militarization' despite economic challenges, leading to a growing NATO military presence and an increase in provocations in the air and at sea.

Specific Drills and Perceived Threats

Shoigu detailed specific concerns, claiming that NATO exercises are rehearsing attacks on member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which includes Russia and Belarus. He cited nine NATO exercises conducted in the Baltics and Poland between January 30 and February 6, 2026. These drills reportedly included live-fire exercises utilizing HIMARS multiple rocket launchers. According to Shoigu, these activities signify that NATO is 'effectively creating a bridgehead for military aggression' near the borders of Russia and Belarus, and that 'key mechanisms of strategic stability' have been undermined.

Russian and Belarusian Concerns

The accusations from Shoigu are set against a backdrop of ongoing Russian claims regarding foreign-backed threats to Belarus. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the armed forces due to the expansion of the military component along their borders, particularly by Poland. Russia and Belarus have also engaged in joint military cooperation, including exercises, which they state are for defensive purposes.

NATO's Stance and Eastern Flank Reinforcement

In response to the broader security landscape, NATO officials have consistently maintained that the alliance is defensive in nature and does not pose a threat to Russia. However, NATO has been actively strengthening its eastern flank. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has affirmed that NATO is 'well prepared to respond to any threat against the alliance,' stating that their reaction would be 'devastating.' The European Parliament has identified Russia as the main threat to European security and reaffirmed NATO as the cornerstone of collective defense, advocating for increased defense spending and capabilities to deter potential aggression.