Putin points to NATO threat in new security strategy

 Russian President Vladimir Putin has
endorsed a new security strategy, which points to
NATO expansion as a threat to the country.
The document outlines the national interests and
strategic priorities of the nation. Putin signed the
executive order Thursday, establishing a new
posture toward the NATO bloc, which has seen its
relationship with Russia deteriorate since the crisis

in Ukraine , which began in 2014.
Russian news agency Tass quotes the strategy ,
which cites a NATO military buildup, and "the
alliance's approach to Russia's borders," as a
threat to Russia's national security. The document
says the organization is illegally extending its
reach.
"The buildup of the military potential of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and vesting it
with global functions implemented in violations of
norms of international law, boosting military
activity of the bloc's countries, further expansion of
the alliance, the approach of its military
infrastructure to Russian borders create a threat to
the national security," it says.
Russia: What happened in 2015 and what's ahead
It says that Russia's actions at home and abroad
have prompted "counteraction" from the United
States and its NATO allies.
"Russia's strengthening is taking part on the
background of new threats to national security that
have a complicated and interlinked character. The
independent domestic and foreign policy conducted
by Russia triggers counteraction from the U.S. and
their allies seeking to keep up their domination in
global affairs."
In a response to CNN, a NATO official said, "We
will study this strategy closely. That said, we
categorically reject totally unfounded claims that
NATO and its policies constitute a security threat
to Russia.
"NATO enlargement is not directed against anyone.
Each sovereign nation has the right to choose for
itself whether it joins any treaty or alliance. This is
a fundamental principle of European security that
Russia has also subscribed to and should respect.
NATO's Open Door has been a historic success --
together with EU enlargement, it has spread
stability and prosperity in Europe since the fall of
the Berlin Wall."
NATO is an alliance of 28 countries, founded in
1949 with 12 members. The latest expansion, in
2009, added Albania and Croatia.
U.S. blasts Russian "indiscriminate attacks" in Syria