OREANDA-NEWS. Russia will take the necessary measures to eliminate threats to its security if the US and NATO do not respond to Moscow's proposals for security guarantees. This was stated in an interview with RIA Novosti by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

“If a constructive response does not follow within a reasonable time and the West continues its aggressive line, then Russia will be forced to take all necessary measures to ensure a strategic balance and eliminate unacceptable threats to our security,” he said.

The minister promised that the Foreign Ministry would not allow "to roll up initiatives in endless discussions." Lavrov stressed that the participation of the American military in the negotiation process is extremely important for Russia. The diplomat also noted that Moscow's proposals are aimed at creating and legalizing a new system of agreements with the West in the field of security.

In addition, Moscow will take all measures to protect hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens living in Donbass and settle the conflict in Ukraine by diplomatic means, Kiev will be given an adequate response to any possible military provocations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

According to him, the West continues to support the militaristic aspirations of the Ukrainian authorities, and the Kiev regime "naturally perceives such support as carte blanche for a military operation."

“As for the residents of Donbass, where hundreds of thousands of citizens of our country live, Russia will take all the necessary measures to protect them. We will continue to make efforts to resolve the internal Ukrainian conflict through political and diplomatic means. The UN Security Council, "Lavrov said. He stressed that "an adequate response will be given to any possible military provocations of Kiev against Donbass."

On December 17, the Russian Foreign Ministry published draft security guarantees from the United States and NATO. In the document, the parties undertake to eliminate all existing infrastructure for deploying nuclear weapons outside their territory, to exercise restraint in military planning and during exercises to reduce the risks of possible dangerous situations, and also not to take actions that affect the security of each other.