Speaking to local and foreign media, Lavrov stressed that most countries understand Moscow’s motives for carrying out the military operation in Ukraine, but are forced to support Western policies.

The Russian foreign minister said that the West should not determine what is good or bad for the security of Russia. “They tell us that the accession of Ukraine or any other country not a member of NATO to the Alliance will not pose a threat to Russia’s security. Why does the West determine for us what is needed for our security?” he said.

According to Lavrov, NATO stubbornly and persistently seeks to maintain supremacy in all areas and demonstrate that it dictates order in Europe.

He also stressed that Moscow does not lack in good will to maintain good relations, but will not allow the constant violation of its interests in the most serious ways, creating real threats to Russia’s security.

Lavrov clarified that the requirements for the use of nuclear weapons are detailed in Russia’s military doctrine. He assured that Russia does not intend to resort to escalation to achieve de-escalation, “as Western analysts try to impute to us.”

He indicated that that there is talk of nuclear war, but “it is necessary to look very carefully at the statements that have been made and (…) who made them,” he said, referring to the recent words of the US president, Joe Biden, who stated that the alternative to sanctions against Russia is the third world war.

Lavrov reiterated that Russia remains open to continuing the dialogue with NATO and said that conversation will begin at some point anyway.

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