Russia claims no aggressive intentions toward NATO member states
Russia has no plans to attack NATO member countries and holds no aggressive intentions towards them, according to Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the European Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In an interview with a Russian media outlet, Maslennikov addressed the current state of relations between Russia and the North Atlantic Alliance, stating that they are at their lowest point since the end of the Cold War, per Caliber.Az.
“The alliance has clearly chosen a course of opposing Russia and containing the so-called 'threat' that supposedly comes from us. This is happening across all areas and on all fronts. Russia has never sought to deteriorate relations with NATO,” Maslennikov emphasized.
The diplomat also pointed out that NATO is entirely to blame for the degradation of relations, adding that Russia does not plan any aggression against NATO countries.
Furthermore, Maslennikov reassured that there are still emergency communication lines available between Russia and NATO for critical situations.
However, he criticised NATO's refusal to engage in regular contact and dialogue mechanisms aimed at reducing tensions, recalling that in 2014, the alliance unilaterally ceased cooperation with Russia in the NATO-Russia Council across both military and civilian lines. "This was not our choice," he remarked.
By Khagan Isayev