New Delhi: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Sunday that Russia would mount a full-scale military response if Europe were to launch an attack.
Lavrov stated that all available military means would be used in such a scenario, while reiterating that Moscow has no intention of attacking Europe. He added that Russia has consistently communicated this position.
According to the minister, some European leaders are aware of the dangers of further escalation. However, many Western governments have pushed themselves into a confrontational stance that has become difficult to reverse.
He suggested that this has compelled them to continue escalating tensions, according to ntv.ru.
Lavrov accused Europe of attempting to impose its influence across the Eurasian continent. He said it was interfering in cooperation between Russia and Central Asian countries, as well as Moscow’s ties with partners in the Caucasus.
The minister also claimed that European states are trying to expand their presence in the Black Sea region while disregarding existing mechanisms such as the Black Sea Economic Cooperation organisation.
He further said similar attempts were visible in the Arctic, adding that until recently the European Union viewed itself as both capable of intervening in these regions and entitled to play a leading role in shaping outcomes.
