Russia is ready to confirm with a legally binding document that it does not intend to attack any member state of the European Union (EU) or the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO). This was stated by Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Ryabkov on Monday, TASR writes, according to reports from Reuters and TASS.
- Russia offers a commitment not to attack EU and NATO states.
- Sergei Ryabkov states that Russia has no aggressive plans against the West.
- The risks of confrontation with NATO persist due to the actions of European countries.
- European countries are expanding their armaments due to fears about Russia.
- Riabkov criticizes Europe for its reluctance to build security together with Russia.
“We certainly have no plans to attack EU and NATO countries. Russia is not pursuing the aggressive goals that some say it does,” declared Ryabkov, referring to President Vladimir Putin’s statement from the past, according to which Russia is “even ready to document it legally as regards a possible solution to the current crisis based on the principle of equal and indivisible security”.
According to the Russian deputy foreign minister, the risk of confrontation between Russia and NATO remains despite the “more balanced policy” of the United States due to the hostile actions of European countries. “Despite Washington’s more balanced policy towards Russia, the risks of a confrontation between Russia and NATO remain significant due to insufficient and hostile actions by European countries,” said Riabkov.
The Russian diplomat added that European countries began arming themselves extensively because of the alleged threat from Moscow. “Savage as it may sound, the pre-war psychosis is viciously fueled by calls to, I quote almost verbatim, ‘prepare for a large-scale war like the one our grandfathers fought in.'” said Riabkov.
“However, very few (people) in Europe, I am referring to the countries of the EU and European allies in NATO, are willing to build such a (security) architecture not against Russia, but together with our country,” added Riabkov, saying that “the collective West would only benefit” from such a scenario.
