Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Western countries of using the "myth of an imaginary Russian threat" to fuel an arms race and form a "European military alliance with a nuclear component." Speaking at a meeting in Moscow, Lavrov warned that the current situation is a "full-scale military-political confrontation" between Russia and the West.
Lavrov criticized European plans to boost military spending and restore the combat readiness of its armies, calling it an "escalation" that poses a threat to regional security. He also accused French President Emmanuel Macron of spearheading the anti-Russian movement in Europe, citing a recent interview in which Macron acknowledged that Paris and Berlin have always seen Russia as the main threat.
Russia remains open to dialogue with the West on security and strategic stability, but only if both sides are willing to negotiate on equal terms, Lavrov emphasized. He also warned that Europe's lack of willingness to engage in serious dialogue with Russia means that it will not be a relevant partner for at least one generation.
Turning to the situation in Ukraine, Lavrov said that Russia will defend its interests in the country and criticized an upcoming summit on Ukrainian settlement in Switzerland as having no prospects. He also warned that the West's build-up of long-range arms supplies to Ukraine is a signal of unreadiness for a peaceful settlement.
Instead, Russia believes that global security should be established from Eurasia, based on principles of mutual and indivisible security. This idea was discussed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to China, where he met with President Xi Jinping.
Lavrov's comments come as tensions between Russia and the West continue to escalate, with both sides engaging in a heated rhetoric over issues such as Ukraine and NATO expansion.
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