Russia is attempting to shift attention away from its own aggressive rhetoric and behavior towards NATO by accusing the alliance of provocations, according to the ISW report. In response to NATO’s announcement of conducting exercises, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the exercises have a provocative and aggressive nature. The ministry accused NATO of demonstrating strength on Russia’s doorstep. Russia also claimed that it regularly proposed initiatives for de-escalation to NATO and urged the alliance to refrain from provocative actions. Additionally, Russia moved its militar…