Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has issued a stern warning to the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), stating that Moscow will respond decisively with “military-technical countermeasures” if new missile threats are posed to Russia.
Prepared for Any Scenario
In an interview with the RIA Novosti news agency, Lavrov emphasized that Russia is ready for any eventuality, noting that any actions taken will aim to establish conditions conducive to balanced dialogue. He underscored Moscow’s focus on comprehensive measures to reduce the risk of conflict while addressing the root causes of fundamental security contradictions.
“We are prepared for any scenario while considering measures to create acceptable conditions for equal dialogue,” Lavrov stated.
NATO Expansion: A Persistent Threat
Lavrov highlighted NATO’s eastward expansion as a longstanding and critical factor in the current security crisis. “This very issue largely triggered the Ukrainian crisis and continues to pose a direct threat to Russia’s security,” he said.
He suggested that arms control discussions could be on the table but only as part of a broader agenda to address security concerns comprehensively.
Revisiting NATO’s Double-Track Decision
When asked about the possibility of NATO repeating its “double-track decision,” Lavrov refrained from speculation. The double-track decision, made in the late 1970s, involved deploying US medium-range missiles in Europe while negotiating disarmament with the Soviet Union.
Lavrov pointed out that Russia might abandon its unilateral moratorium on deploying ground-based intermediate- and short-range missiles. “This decision has become practically untenable despite still being in effect,” he remarked.
US Ignoring Warnings
Lavrov accused the United States of disregarding warnings from Russia and China and proceeding to deploy such weapons globally. “The US has arrogantly ignored Russia’s and China’s warnings and is actively deploying weapons of this type in various parts of the world,” he said.
❗️LAVROV: US AND NATO WILL BE REBUFFED IF THEY THREATEN RUSSIA WITH MISSILES 🧵
The US and NATO will receive a decisive rebuff in the form of military-technical countermeasures from Moscow if they create new missile threats for Russia, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov told RIA Novosti. pic.twitter.com/pddzrgTQ4E
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) December 29, 2024
Oreshnik Missile Test Highlights Russian Resolve
Lavrov concluded by referencing the recent successful test of Russia’s advanced “Oreshnik” medium-range hypersonic missile system. “This test, conducted under combat conditions, convincingly demonstrated our capabilities and determination to implement necessary measures. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also emphasized that any response to these developments will be proportional and resolute, solidifying Russia’s stance in the face of escalating global tensions,” he affirmed.
Source: RIA Novosti
