New Russian doctrine: U.S., NATO called major threats

MOSCOW, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Russia's newly-revised military doctrine, revealed Friday, identifies the United States and NATO as major threats.

The first revision of the doctrine since 2010 was approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin and posted to the Kremlin website Friday. New sections note a threat Russia identifies from the expansion and increase in military activity by NATO, noting it regards the bloc's recent buildup as "violation of international law." The document mentions "strategic antiballistic missile systems," which have been expanded by NATO and the United States, as a specific threat. It also notes the hazard of foreign troops in countries adjoining Russia.

The new Russian doctrine also mentions the possibility of forming a bloc of its own, including shared missile systems, with nearby countries, an option not included in the 2010 version. It says it regards the BRICS organization, involving Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, each an emerging national economy; the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe; and the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as those sharing Russia's security concerns.

The doctrine threatens to impair peaceful resolution of the current frosty relationship between Russia and the West, prompted by Russian military incursions in Crimea and Ukraine. The actions provoked economic sanctions against Russia, as well as NATO's reinforcement of troops in Eastern Europe and the establishment of a 5,000-troop NATO rapid-reaction force.

The decision to update the doctrine came after threats following the Arab Spring revolutions in North Africa, and the Syrian and Ukrainian conflicts, Mikhail Popov, Russia's United Nations representative, said in September.