Putin signs document naming U.S., NATO as threats to Russia's national security

For the first time, the United States has been named as a threat to Russia's national security in the updated document signed by President Vladimir Putin.

The new report, dubbed "About the Strategy of National Security of Russian Federation,'' also designated NATO as an equal threat to Moscow's security, "due to the alliance trying to retain [its] dominance in global affairs,'' according to Fox News.

The new document reportedly replaces the 2009 version endorsed by then President Dmitry Medvedev, which made no mention of either America or NATO. It was signed by Putin on New Year's Eve, making it official policy.

The report states that in recent years, Russia has managed to increase its role in solving global issues and conflicts, which has caused a reaction from the West. "The strengthening of Russia happens against the background of new threats to the national security, which has complex and interrelated nature,'' it states.

The continuing policies that would heighten Russia's global standing will likely lead to "political, economical, military and informational pressure'' on Russia, it adds.

The document reportedly underscores the increasingly anti-Western rhetoric employed by Putin in the past two years, as relations between Moscow and the West have soured over the annexation of Crimea and war in east Ukraine.

The West claims that Russia has been instrumental in supporting rebels in east Ukraine, something Moscow has largely denied. Russia meanwhile criticises the West's position on Ukraine, accusing the U.S. and Europe of supporting an "anti-constitutional coup'' which it says "has led to a deep split in Ukrainian society and the emergence of armed conflict.''

Moscow also warns that Ukraine has now become a "long-term source of instability in Europe and on Russia's borders,'' the Financial Times reported.

Fox News said the document does not mention Syria where Russia recently began airstrikes against ISIS forces and anti-Assad rebels.

Assad, a Russian ally, has received military support from Russia in the civil war against U.S.-backed rebels and the Islamic State.

related articles
\'Black Hawk Down\' survivor: \'Only one force great enough to transform world — God\'s Holy Spirit through Jesus\'
'Black Hawk Down' survivor: 'Only one force great enough to transform world — God's Holy Spirit through Jesus'

'Black Hawk Down' survivor: 'Only one force great enough to transform world — God's Holy Spirit through Jesus'

Pastor James McConnell trial: A victory for common sense and free speech

Pastor James McConnell trial: A victory for common sense and free speech

U.S. seen turning its back on Gulf ally Saudi Arabia and siding with Iran in their raging Mideast conflict
U.S. seen turning its back on Gulf ally Saudi Arabia and siding with Iran in their raging Mideast conflict

U.S. seen turning its back on Gulf ally Saudi Arabia and siding with Iran in their raging Mideast conflict

Republican critics pounce on Obama even before he could spell out new gun control measures
Republican critics pounce on Obama even before he could spell out new gun control measures

Republican critics pounce on Obama even before he could spell out new gun control measures

Christian America? Yes, says Justice Scalia – but is he right?
Christian America? Yes, says Justice Scalia – but is he right?

Christian America? Yes, says Justice Scalia – but is he right?

News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame

Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God

Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth. 

Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events

The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches. 

National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.