The West Wants to Involve Ukraine in NATO, Says Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

The West aims to draw Ukraine into NATO; however, this will not strengthen the alliance's security but will deteriorate relations between the West and Russia, stated Sergei Lavrov, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, as reported by RIA Novosti.

“It turns out that the territories they (NATO member states) are supposed to defend are moving eastward. Now it has come very close to Ukraine. That country is also wanted to be drawn in there. Despite what is clear to everyone, Ukraine is not ready, and NATO will have no contribution to strengthening security,” Lavrov said during the First Channel’s “Sunday Time” program.

According to him, this will indeed deteriorate relations between Russia and the West, as it will represent a gross violation of the official political commitments undertaken by the presidents of the United States and other member states of the alliance.

He added that in response to Russia's proposals regarding security guarantees from NATO, it is stated that “NATO is a defensive alliance.”

“It’s hard to call it defensive. It should not be forgotten that they bombed Afghanistan for about three months. When the 'Cold War' took place and the Berlin Wall existed, it was clear what territory needed to be defended. After the wall fell, within the framework of the OSCE, we declared eternal friendship, the indivisibility of security, solidarity, and consent that no one should strengthen their security at the expense of others; they continue to incorporate countries (expansion in five waves),” Lavrov emphasized.

The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted that the decision to admit new members to NATO should correspond to considerations of strengthening the alliance's security.

“They need to reconsider how the inclusion of new countries adds security to the alliance itself. They have included countries with which they have good relations - Montenegro, North Macedonia. American authors are asking: how does this strengthen NATO? What contribution do these countries make to the security of the alliance, considering their military and military-technical resources?” Lavrov added.