NATO is not at war with Russia. And I believe that Russia doesn’t want it at all either, the minister asserted.

Van Wille acknowledged that European nations, with their arms buildup toward the Eurasian giant, “are frightening themselves.”

This statement contrasts with the threatening narrative promoted by some Western governments, while local analysts observe that such statements dismantle the bellicose rhetoric used to justify record military spending and a dangerous escalation in Europe.

The Russian position has consistently been one of openness to dialogue, conditioned on mutual respect.

Moscow has emphasized that it will respond to hostile actions, but is not seeking confrontation.

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