Russian FM slams US, its allies for abandoning arms control deals, warns of hot war risk

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has condemned the actions of the United States and its allies for discarding critical arms control agreements, including those related to missile defence and intermediate- and shorter-range missiles.

In a statement delivered at the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council in Valletta, Malta, on December 5, Lavrov warned that the reincarnation of the Cold War presents a significant risk of transitioning into a hot conflict, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"The United States and their allies have thrown all these agreements into the trash, along with deals on missile defense and intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles," he remarked. "The question arises: for what purpose? The answer is clear to us: to revive NATO on the political stage. After the disgrace of Afghanistan, a new unifying enemy was needed, leading to the reincarnation of the Cold War, but this time with a much greater risk of transitioning to a hot stage."

Lavrov also criticised the security posture of countries on the frontlines against Russia, describing it as an unhealthy ideal.

"Barbed-wire fences, anti-tank ditches, and standing in line to host foreign troops, preferably American, are seen as the epitome of security for those who have declared themselves frontline states in the fight against the Russian threat," he noted.

To note, the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council meeting is underway in Valletta, Malta, on December 5-6, 2024. This key diplomatic event is chaired by Malta's Foreign Minister, Ian Borg, in his capacity as OSCE Chair-in-Office. It gathers foreign ministers from the 57 OSCE participating states to discuss pressing security issues across the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian regions.

This year's meeting comes with special significance, given the current global security challenges, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has heavily influenced recent OSCE discussions.

In addition to discussions on regional security, Malta will push for decisions on the OSCE’s senior leadership, as several key posts remain vacant after the expiration of terms earlier this year. The meeting is also expected to address potential future leadership roles within the organization​

By Khagan Isayev