DPR leader: NATO already in 'direct' conflict with Russia
Leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Denis Pushilin underscored on Tuesday that North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was already in "direct" conflict with Russia before the start of the military operation in Ukraine.
"We saw an increase in the military presence of NATO countries near the Russian borders long before the start of a special military operation," the Russian-installed leader underscored. "NATO has been involved in the conflict from the very beginning, and every day they are more openly demonstrating their presence," he added.
The remark was made in response to Admiral Rob Bauer, chair of NATO's military committee, who stated, during his interview with Portuguese TV channel RTP, that the military alliance was "ready" for a "direct confrontation" with Russia if its forces crossed the borders of the organization's member nations.