Russia has stated that it will not attack the European Union (EU) or NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member states unless it is attacked first. The comment came from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who added that Western officials have justified increasing military spending by citing the need to defend NATO’s eastern flank.

“We have no intention of attacking Europe. There is no reason to do so,” Lavrov told NTV in an interview aired on Sunday. Russia has repeatedly stated that it has not and does not intend to attack any country, but that it will defend itself if attacked.

“If Europe acts on its threats to prepare for war against us and initiates an attack on the Russian Federation, it will face a full-fledged military response from our side, with all available military capabilities,” he said.

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Moscow has also accused the EU of seeking to derail United States-brokered peace talks with Ukraine and prolong the fighting. It has also accused the U.S. of fighting a proxy war. Officials in Russia have added that continued support for Ukraine by Western military aid to the country, including the delivery of long-range and advanced weapons, increases the risk of a broader conflict.

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Moscow has also accused the EU of seeking to derail US-brokered peace talks with Ukraine and prolong the fighting. The delivery of long-range and advanced weapons increases the risk of a broader conflict and has been of particular concern for Russia.

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The West and NATO have continuously been raising tensions between themselves and Russia. Even the rhetoric is being taken as inflammatory by Moscow.

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