NATO’S Thunder Fortress 2025 exercise in Lithuania is directed against Russia, but Moscow is working to make sure these efforts to project force are futile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said.

Asked who the exercise was directed against, he replied, "Against us."

"Measures are already being taken. They have been announced: Two military districts are being re-established and a tank corps is being formed in Karelia. Other measures will be taken as we deem necessary in order to negate all these attempts to project force in the direction of Russia," the diplomat stated.

According to Grushko, all NATO exercises are linked by the intent to contain Russia and prepare the alliance for a military clash.

"We understand all this perfectly well. The military is closely following this. And in any case, the interests of our security and defense capability will be guaranteed," the diplomat said.

Thunder Fortress 2025 is scheduled to be held in Lithuania from May 13-27. About 8,000 servicemen will be involved in the international exercise.

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