NATO Supreme Allied Commander Philip Breedlove said Thursday that Russia has chosen to become an adversary to the West as Moscow tries to reestablish its global influence, and poses an "existential threat" to the United States and its allies in Europe.
NATO Commander Breedlove: Russia Cast Itself as West's Adversary The Moscow Times Feb. 26 2016 10:59 Last edited 11:00 NATO Supreme Allied Commander Philip Breedlove said Thursday that Russia has chosen to become an adversary to the West as Moscow tries to reestablish its global influence, and poses an "existential threat" to the United States and its allies in Europe. Breedlove's remarks at the House Armed Services Committee drew caustic denials from the Russian Defense Ministry later in the day. "Such tide rises every year at the same time," the ministry said in an English-language post on its Facebook page. "The reason is simple – discussion of the military budget for the next year. It is not the thing to be impressed by." Top Moscow officials have cast their country as an increasingly powerful global player, while accusing the United States of seeking to destroy Russia. Breedlove, one of the most vocal critics of Moscow polici