Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has objected to what he calls the endless expansion of NATO.

In an interview published in Europe, he has said NATO is expanding eastward to Russia’s borders, increasing threats of war.

He told Paris Match that while NATO is not seen as the main military threat to Russia, the issue has been worsened by NATO absorbing countries that were once part of the Soviet Union, especially those who are immediate neighbours.

Russia’s military doctrine enunciates Moscow's long-standing fears of encirclement by the alliance.

Mr Medvedev said his country would not remain indifferent to NATO’s expansion, and the reconfiguring of missile bases near its borders.

Russia has already warned relations with the West will be difficult if the Ukraine and Georgia, two former Soviet republics, are made members of NATO.