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Relations between NATO and Russia have been on the downswing for years. They have worsened after NATO expelled eight diplomats from Russia's mission earlier this month, saying they were working as spies. Russia retaliated by breaking off diplomatic ties with NATO.
NATO has also shuttered its Information Office (NIO) in Moscow. NATO had said soon after the expulsions that it had "strengthened our deterrence and defense in response to Russia's aggressive actions" but added that it remains "open for a meaningful dialogue."
But the dialogue doesn't seem to be on the horizon. And NATO has reiterated that it has made "significant improvements to air and missile defenses" as well as fifth-generation jets. (https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/10/21/nato-to-boost-air-and-missile-defense-investments-to-counter-russia/)
While Russia has alleged that NATO's presence in the Baltics has led to increased tensions, NATO denies the allegations saying that it is taking "defensive and proportionate steps" in response to Russia's use of military force against its neighbours. And that it is there as its allies requested it. (https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_111767.htm#c101)
NATO also claims that its ballistic missile defence is not directed against Russia and that it doesn't "undermine Russia's strategic deterrence capabilities." NATO says that the missile defence system is "to protect European Allies against missile threats from outside the Euro-Atlantic area." However, not many believe this assertion of the defense alliance.
But that tensions are unlikely to decrease as one of the vital members of the NATO, the US, has just signed a new security agreement with Georgia. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in Tbilisi to sign the deal and it will lead to training allied troops with the threat from Russia looming. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/lloyd-austin-georgia-russia-urkraine-nato/2021/10/18/9b5846de-3014-11ec-9241-aad8e48f01ff_story.html)
On top of that, NATO has said that its members have "endorsed a new overarching plan" to defend itself in crisis and conflict and "to make sure" that it has the "right forces at the right place at the right time." All these indicate NATO is looking at Russia is as a clear and present threat and preparing itself aggressively.
Read more:
Are NATO and Russia on a collision course?:
https://www.aljazeera.com/program/inside-story/2021/10/19/are-nato-and-russia-on-a-collision-course
Why NATO-Russia diplomacy is at a new low:
https://www.dw.com/en/with-dueling-downgrades-nato-russia-diplomacy-is-at-a-new-low/a-59552451