Russia does not want to wage another major war 0
(Dan Tri) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov affirmed that Moscow does not want to participate in a `big war` and has no intention of attacking other countries.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (Photo: Sputnik).
Speaking during a question-and-answer session at the United Nations headquarters in New York on January 26, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that despite the growing escalation of tensions and bellicose rhetoric, `no one wants a war`.
`We have experienced major wars many times in history,` Mr. Lavrov said.
In recent weeks, senior officials in several European countries have urged citizens to prepare for a potential military confrontation with Russia.
Earlier this month, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom urged the country’s people to prepare for a potential military conflict, amid rising tensions with Moscow.
Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, said member states of the military bloc should ensure that their industries can quickly prepare for war, while at the same time
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also warned that although Germany is not currently under direct threat of attack, the country should start preparing by strengthening its military.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed the warnings as `nonsense` and said Moscow has `no interest` in attacking any NATO country.
According to the Russian Foreign Minister, the US is responsible for increasing tensions globally as well as Washington accusing Russia of being a threat.
The Russian diplomat also accused the US of systematically destroying most of the existing tension reduction mechanisms by withdrawing from a number of important arms control agreements.
Mr. Lavrov described the Russia-US relationship as being at a `low point`, when the two sides have `almost no contact` apart from discussions on the activities of the two countries’ diplomatic missions.
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned in November last year that Russia could completely cut off diplomatic relations with the US.
Moscow believes that Washington is increasingly determined to pursue a policy of restraint towards China and Russia, in a futile attempt to reverse the current multipolar trend.
Russia still hopes that future US leaders will adjust policies with Russia `based on respect and taking into account each other’s interests`.
