Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the West Monday not to underestimate the risk of a nuclear conflict over Ukraine and also stated that he views the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as currently being 'in essence' engaged in a proxy war with Russia because it is supplying Ukraine with weapons.
Lavrov said that Russia is doing a great deal to prevent nuclear war at all costs, and said "This is our key position on which we base everything. The risks now are considerable. I would not want to elevate those risks artificially. Many would like that. The danger is serious, real. And we must not underestimate it".
Lavrov also blamed the United States for ceasing dialogue with Russia and said, "The United States has practically ceased all contacts simply because we were obliged to defend Russians in Ukraine".
Regarding the weapons the West has been sending to Ukraine, such as Javelin anti-tank missiles, armored vehicles, and drones, he said were provocative measures that were calculated in order to prolong the conflict rather than to bring it to an end.
"These weapons will be a legitimate target for Russia's military acting within the context of the special operation. Storage facilities in western Ukraine have been targeted more than once (by Russian forces). How can it be otherwise? NATO, in essence, is engaged in a war with Russia through a proxy and is arming that proxy. War means war" he said.
Lavrov said that Russia is doing a great deal to prevent nuclear war at all costs, and said "This is our key position on which we base everything. The risks now are considerable. I would not want to elevate those risks artificially. Many would like that. The danger is serious, real. And we must not underestimate it".
Lavrov also blamed the United States for ceasing dialogue with Russia and said, "The United States has practically ceased all contacts simply because we were obliged to defend Russians in Ukraine".
Regarding the weapons the West has been sending to Ukraine, such as Javelin anti-tank missiles, armored vehicles, and drones, he said were provocative measures that were calculated in order to prolong the conflict rather than to bring it to an end.
"These weapons will be a legitimate target for Russia's military acting within the context of the special operation. Storage facilities in western Ukraine have been targeted more than once (by Russian forces). How can it be otherwise? NATO, in essence, is engaged in a war with Russia through a proxy and is arming that proxy. War means war" he said.
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