Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev warned that the European Union could become a greater threat to Russia than NATO, calling on Moscow to reconsider its previously tolerant stance towards neighbouring countries.

"The EU can transform into a full-fledged military alliance, extremely hostile towards Russia - in some aspects even worse than NATO," Medvedev stated, emphasising that Brussels policymakers are seriously considering developing their own military component within the Union.

Medvedev characterised Trump's statements about withdrawing the US from NATO as mere provocation, arguing that Congress would never allow such a step. He also raised the question of countries simultaneously members of both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union, citing Putin's statements that such dual membership is incompatible.