'GERMS OF NATO': Putin Aide Sounds Alarm Over Asia-Pacific Security Pacts, Blasts Western States

'GERMS OF NATO': Putin Aide Sounds Alarm Over Asia-Pacific Security Pacts, Blasts Western States Russia’s Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu issued a sharp warning about what he calls the “germs of NATO” emerging across the Asia-Pacific. Speaking about new strategic groupings forming around ASEAN, Shoigu argued that these small security blocs risk escalating tensions and creating fresh threats for both Russia and Southeast Asia. He pointed to Japan’s rapid military expansion and rising defence budget as evidence of a shifting regional posture. Shoigu said these developments mirror older NATO-style pressure campaigns and could destabilize the broader geopolitical balance. His remarks signal Moscow’s growing alarm over tightening Western and Asian security cooperation.