Russia is ready to discuss non-conflict commitments with NATO.
Russia has stated its readiness to discuss the form of a document confirming that it has no intention of attacking NATO countries.
According to the TASS news agency, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated at a press conference that Moscow is ready to discuss the form of a document confirming that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO countries.
Zakharova clarified: "Russia is ready to formalize the relevant commitments in the form of a legally binding document. The specific form of this document can be determined during the negotiations, but it must be a complete international legal document."
According to this diplomat, the Russian side is ready to consider options for that document and negotiate its structure and status.
Zakharova emphasized that this is a serious international legal document, not just an empty declaration, because the legal validity of such obligations is very important to Russia.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Russia has no plans to attack EU and NATO countries. He expressed his readiness to formalize this with a legally binding document.
Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that claims that Russia could attack NATO are absurd.
According to CNN, researchers and experts at the Royal Institute of Military Studies in the UK believe that Russia is preparing for the possibility of a direct conflict with Europe. They say that the only way to prevent this from happening is to ensure that, if war breaks out, Europe will win.
More investment in Europe's perpetually underfunded defense is crucial, but security experts are increasingly warning that a major shift in mindset is needed across the board. They argue that it's time for European governments to convince their citizens and make it clear that the era when Europe could ignore the threat of war is over.
Although Russia has not yet launched any direct attacks on NATO allies in Europe, earlier this year NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that Russia could be prepared to use military force against NATO within the next five years. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reiterated that warning in a speech last month, stating that German intelligence agencies believe Moscow "remains open to the possibility of war against NATO at least until 2029."
