In an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta published on Dec. 27, reported the TASS news agency, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin warned that increasing Western military muscle-flexing near Russia’s borders may have far-reaching consequences. He recalled that “in 2020, the activity of the air and naval forces [of NATO] increased significantly, and situations that can lead to serious incidents are increasingly emerging.” Describing NATO’s actions as “openly provocative,” Fomin stressed that “incidents were avoided only thanks to the high level of professional training of Russian pilots and sailors.” Fomin also accused the U.S. and NATO of using “aggressive rhetoric” towards Russia, adding that they have ignored Moscow’s plans for a reciprocal withdrawal from exercise areas along the Russian-NATO contact line.
“We have always proceeded from the assumption that the most difficult problems should be resolved at the negotiating table,” Fomin said. “Russia is prepared for a professional and constructive dialogue on the condition of observance of principles of mutual respect and each other’s interests.”
