15.04.2019, 14:32
The Foreign Ministry: Russia Completely Ceased Cooperation with NATO
Source: OREANDA-NEWS
OREANDA-NEWS. Russia and NATO have completely ceased cooperation on civil and military lines, said Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko.
"NATO itself refused a positive agenda in relations with Russia. It does not exist. And so far there are no signs that NATO knows how to get out of this impasse," he said.
The Deputy Foreign Minister called the decision of the alliance to cease normal working contacts along the military line as absurd, noting that security in Europe largely depends on relations between Russia and NATO. According to Grushko, the alliance has gone too far in forcing confrontation with Russia. “It's a paradox, but today's Russia-NATO relations are just the most reminiscent of the“ usual ”state of affairs under which NATO was created — during the cold war. little dialogue, "added the diplomat.
He said that the total military expenditures of the NATO countries over the past year exceeded a trillion dollars, which is 22 times more than the Russian defense spending. At the same time, Grushko stressed that Moscow is not going to take part in the race to build up military budgets with NATO, but relies on "economical, precise and effective means".
"In regard to the armed conflict with NATO, all sensible hopes that this will not happen. It would be a catastrophe for all mankind. I am sure that both Washington and Brussels understand this," the deputy foreign minister added. According to Grushko, the renewal of NATO would be possible through the establishment of a true strategic partnership with Russia.
In recent years, Russia is facing the unprecedented activity of the alliance near its borders. NATO calls it "deterring Russian aggression." At the same time, the Kremlin stressed that Moscow does not pose a threat to other countries, but will not leave unanswered actions that are dangerous to its interests.
"NATO itself refused a positive agenda in relations with Russia. It does not exist. And so far there are no signs that NATO knows how to get out of this impasse," he said.
The Deputy Foreign Minister called the decision of the alliance to cease normal working contacts along the military line as absurd, noting that security in Europe largely depends on relations between Russia and NATO. According to Grushko, the alliance has gone too far in forcing confrontation with Russia. “It's a paradox, but today's Russia-NATO relations are just the most reminiscent of the“ usual ”state of affairs under which NATO was created — during the cold war. little dialogue, "added the diplomat.
He said that the total military expenditures of the NATO countries over the past year exceeded a trillion dollars, which is 22 times more than the Russian defense spending. At the same time, Grushko stressed that Moscow is not going to take part in the race to build up military budgets with NATO, but relies on "economical, precise and effective means".
"In regard to the armed conflict with NATO, all sensible hopes that this will not happen. It would be a catastrophe for all mankind. I am sure that both Washington and Brussels understand this," the deputy foreign minister added. According to Grushko, the renewal of NATO would be possible through the establishment of a true strategic partnership with Russia.
In recent years, Russia is facing the unprecedented activity of the alliance near its borders. NATO calls it "deterring Russian aggression." At the same time, the Kremlin stressed that Moscow does not pose a threat to other countries, but will not leave unanswered actions that are dangerous to its interests.
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