Russian Foreign Minister Sergej Lavrov in an interview with the television network "Rossiya-1" said that " Russia will provide a specular response to the placement of US missiles in Europe, banned by the Mid Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). Unfortunately, our European colleagues, whose independence we want to be reflected in their actions, are not very ready for this and follow the United States even when they go directly against their interests.
An example: to vote against the Russian resolution in support of the maintenance of the INF treaty. We have heard the greatest number of concerns about the unilateral exit of the United States from this treaty in Europe. However, the entire European Union voted against our offer. The next step, of course, could see the Russian Federation's response to the vote. It is not our choice, but European capitals must understand the threat to the security of Europeans themselves ”.
During the interview, reports the Italian news agency Nova, Lavrov, responding to a question on the possibility of holding new talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump, noted that such a request should be addressed in Washington. "You have to ask Washington this question, our president and his representatives have repeatedly stated that we are ready for these talks when Washington is ready." According to the minister, Moscow understands "to what extent US foreign policy towards Russia has become a prisoner of its internal struggles". "It is considered useful to get extra votes to compete on who will attack Russia the most," said the head of Moscow diplomacy. "We cannot do anything about it, but we are always ready for a fair dialogue with all countries, including the United States."
Putin and Trump were supposed to meet on December 20 during the GXNUMX summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, however, the US leader canceled the meeting at the last minute due to events related to the Kerch Strait (crisis with Ukraine).
2018, Lavrov continued, was a "difficult" year for Russia, as some countries that see the Federation as a "competitor for world domination" have put pressure on Moscow. “I think it is not even necessary to mention how difficult a year has been, just like the fact that Russia is constantly under pressure from those who see it as a competitor for some dominant positions in global politics. US actions also serve as an example because the US has "openly" declared the need to contain Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.