OREANDA-NEWS  Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the combat potential and capabilities of almost all NATO countries were used against Russia with the beginning of a special military operation in Ukraine.

According to the head of the Russian defense Ministry, Western countries have demonstrated their advance preparation for confrontation with the Russian Federation.

"Large—scale sanctions were immediately imposed against Russia, arms supplies to Ukraine were organized, intelligence supplies were provided, military advisers and mercenaries were sent to the combat zone," Shoigu said, noting that the military potential and capabilities of almost all NATO countries were involved in this way.

Earlier, Sergei Shoigu stated that the policy of the United States and NATO creates risks of a significant expansion of the conflict, but it will not affect the outcome of the special operation.

The head of the Russian Defense Ministry pointed out that NATO countries are carrying out a set of measures to increase the combat readiness of the united armed forces, intensify combat training and intelligence activities near the borders of the Russian Federation and Belarus, and Finland will also become a new member of the alliance.