Russia, NATO Buildup Can Result in Arms Control Negotiations

The recent buildup by NATO member states and Russia are intended to boost the countries’ defense postures while influencing decision-making, according to the US-based intelligence analysis company Stratfor.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The increased military buildup by NATO and Russia around the borderlines of Eastern Europe could lead to arms reduction talks between them, the US-based intelligence analysis company Stratfor said on Friday.

"The increase in military presence may actually spur negotiations between the two sides to reduce arms, like the arms control talks that took place in the late Soviet and early post-Soviet period between Russia and the United States," the report stated.

Stratfor argued that the recent buildup by NATO member states and Russia are intended to boost the countries’ defense postures while influencing decision-making.

The firm added that neither side is interested in direct military confrontation.

On Thursday, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said NATO needs to maintain a dialogue with Russia to rebuild mutual trust and avoid the escalation of current crisis.

NATO suspended practical civilian and military cooperation with Russia in 2014 amid strained relations over the Ukrainian crisis, with the Alliance accusing Moscow of involvement in the conflict. Russia has repeatedly refuted all allegations.

Over the past two years, NATO has carried out a number of large-scale military exercises along the Alliance's eastern flank, bordering Russia.

Russia has warned against NATO’s increased military buildup along its border, stating that it is provocative and threatens regional and global stability.