“NATO countries are making preparations for armed clashes with Russia,” Grushko affirmed at a press briefing during a break in the sessions of the important economic forum being held in Vladivostok.

The diplomat underscored that the military alliance’s actions and statements indicate that those preparations are underway.

The deputy foreign minister had previously denounced the NATO member states’ intention to authorize the deployment of nuclear weapons on their territories, especially Finland, which borders Russia.

The 11th EEF is being held from September 1 to 4 in Vladivostok, with delegations from some 80 countries in attendance.

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