DIDPress: Stopping NATO’s eastward expansion is the main and key condition for ending tensions between Russia and the West, as well as resolving the Ukraine crisis, says Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia.
“Until this fundamental issue is addressed, reaching an agreement and resolving the crisis will not be possible,” Ryabkov emphasized.
He called on the US to take practical steps to eliminate the root causes of security confrontations with Russia.
In an interview with TASS news agency, he asserted: “From our perspective, NATO’s expansion to the east is the most important factor in creating the current confrontation.
This process not only ignores Russia’s security concerns but also serves as the foundation for many of today’s crises.”
Ryabkov also noted that although Washington is aware of the deteriorating situation, it hasn’t offered any effective initiative or action in arms control or tension reduction, so far.
These remarks come as tensions between Russia and Western countries over the war in Ukraine enter their third year, with no clear prospect for an end.
Moscow has repeatedly declared NATO expansion a red line and considers it a direct threat to its national security.