Russia says published U.S. military plan is 'confrontational,' lacks objectivity

MOSCOW, July 2 (UPI) -- Russia criticized a newly-published U.S. military strategy, referring to it as confrontational and lacking objectivity toward Russia.

The 24-page 2015 National Military Strategy of the United States (NMS), prepared by the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the Secretary of Defense to outline the armed services' military objectives, was released earlier this week. It notes Russia "had repeatedly demonstrated that it does not respect the sovereignty of its neighbors and it is willing to use force to achieve its goals," adding that "Russia's military actions are undermining regional security directly and thorough proxy forces."

"The probability of U.S. involvement in interstate war with a major power is assessed to be low but growing."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday the report indicated the United States' "confrontational attitude, devoid of any objectivity towards our country. Of course this will hardly contribute to attempts to steer bilateral relations in the direction of normalization."

U.S.-Russian relations have been chilled by Russian annexation of Crimea and involvement, which Russia denies, of Russian troops aiding the separatist cause in Ukraine. The United States and other Western countries responded with an economic sanction partly responsible for a recession in Russia.

The NMS also notes Iran, North Korea and China are "providing challenges," although none are "seeking direct military contact" with the United States.