Russian diplomats say the US is pushing NATO into the 'most disadvantageous' confrontation position.

Lan Ha• July 11, 2023 11:29

(Baonghean.vn) - Russian diplomats believe that the US is pushing NATO into the "most disadvantageous" confrontation with Moscow through decisions expected from the alliance's summit in Lithuania this week, while Kiev's allies are "losing" in Ukraine.

On the Telegram channel of the Russian Embassy in the US, Ambassador Anatoly Antonov accused the US of preparing anti-Russian decisions at the NATO summit. He stressed: "Everything is being done to prepare public opinion to accept any anti-Russian decisions that will be made in Vilnius in the coming days. The situation continues to take the most unfavorable direction in the confrontation between Russia and NATO members."

anh 1.jpg — NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg concludes a press conference ahead of the NATO summit. Photo: Reuters

Meanwhile, Konstantin Gavrilov, a Vienna-based Russian diplomat and senior Russian security negotiator, told state news agency RIA that the West was "losing" in Ukraine.

The NATO summit, which took place on July 11-12 in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, was attended by about 2,400 guests, including 40 heads of state and government from 48 delegations. The agenda focused on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Kiev's request to join NATO and increasing defense spending to 2% of GDP.

In the run-up to the summit, Kiev officials and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on NATO to make concrete commitments to the prospect of membership after the military conflict with Russia ends. Mr. Zelensky is expected to attend the inaugural meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council on July 12.

The NATO summit will also discuss defense spending. In 2014, member states pledged to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2024. However, only 11 countries are expected to reach this target this year.

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wants this 2% rate to become a floor, not a ceiling.

Also at the conference, the heads of state and government of NATO member states will also approve three new regional defense and deterrence plans for the allied territory in Vilnius. The conference is expected to propose putting 300,000 troops on high alert and ensuring naval and air resources.

The July 12 meeting will be open to leaders of partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region such as Australia, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand and representatives of the European Union (EU)./.