Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that NATO is preparing for war with Russia, and that Moscow takes these risks into account in its military planning and advises the West not to test its strength.
In an interview with the newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda, Grushko said, "It is in everyone's interest not to bring the situation to this kind of test, a test of Russia's strength. We consistently follow an approach to avoid direct confrontation, limiting ourselves to demonstrating our military capabilities. We believe that the other side takes this into account and will not confront us.
He added, "NATO is preparing for an armed conflict with Russia, and the United States and its allies have rejected our proposals to enhance joint security. We consider NATO's aggressive behavior and the direct risks it poses to Russia's security.
Grushko emphasized that NATO's approach poses a danger to Russia and global and regional security. He said, "Russia has long been declared the greatest and direct threat to NATO's security, which seeks to achieve superiority in all operational environments, intensifies its military build-up near Russia's borders, conducts offensive exercises, and develops the logistical infrastructure for the rapid transport of forces, weapons, and equipment. Regional defense plans have been adopted, largely based on the plans used by the alliance during the Cold War."