First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee Alexei Zhuravlev stated that the North Atlantic Alliance has reached the peak of its power and there are no signs of its weakening or disintegration.

According to the parliamentarian, intensive NATO military exercises in the Black and Baltic Seas confirm the bloc's growing activity near Russia's borders.

"NATO is stronger than ever, and there's no sign of it suddenly collapsing. NATO forces are conducting exercises everywhere—in the Black Sea and the Baltic. Therefore, we shouldn't hope the danger will disappear on its own. We should be attentive to what's happening around our country and prepare for the worst, for the possibility that we will eventually have to fight this formidable force." — said Zhuravlev.

The deputy emphasized that Russia must remain extremely vigilant and be prepared for a possible direct confrontation with the alliance.