Russia not seeking conflict with NATO: Deputy FM
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Alexander Grushko highlights the importance of understanding NATO's readiness for confrontation but reiterates Russia's commitment to peaceful relations with NATO countries.
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Russian Ambassador to NATO Alexander Grushko gives a press conference after talks at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. (AFP via Getty Images)
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated in an interview for Sputnik that Russia does not have any plans to initiate a military confrontation with NATO or its member states.
"Whether the military bloc is ready for an open conflict with Russia, we should ask the NATO members themselves. In any case, we have no such intentions with regard to the member countries of the alliance," Grushko said.
Furthermore, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister remarked that the Russia-NATO relationship has been steadily and intentionally worsening, accompanied by a significant reduction in communication channels to an alarmingly low extent.
"As a result of the adventurous actions of even one or two NATO member states, the Ukrainian crisis could go beyond its geographic boundaries and reach a completely different scale," Grushko stressed.
According to the Russian diplomat, the conflict in Ukraine may go beyond its geographical borders as a result of the "adventurous" actions of even one NATO country.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement about the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine shows readiness to follow "the escalation path," Grushko told Sputnik.
"As a result of the adventurous actions of even one or two NATO member states, the Ukrainian crisis could go beyond its geographic boundaries and reach a completely different scale," he said.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has lately rejected the notion of Russia launching an attack on NATO. However, he cautioned that any F-16 fighter jets provided to Ukraine by its Western allies would be considered legitimate targets for Russian forces.
NATO ready for war with Russia: NATO Military Committee
NATO Military Committee Chair Adm. Rob Bauer stated, on March 22, that the alliance is prepared for a conflict with Russia.
In an interview for ArmyInform, the online news outlet of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Bauer mentioned that the goal of the alliance is always to be prepared for war.
It is worth noting that NATO's Secretary-General proposed a $107 billion plan to "Trump-proof" and bolster long-term military support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict and potential US policy shifts.
The plans are set to be further dissected during the two-day gathering in Brussels for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The meeting will also serve to prepare for the July summit of alliance leaders anticipated to take place in Washington.
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