After the productive discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Russia remains cautiously optimistic about prospects for ongoing talks with the U.S. while slamming London-led Europe for their hardline military provocations against Russia.

Russia Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said during a joint board meeting of the Russian and Belarusian Defense Ministries, according to TASS, that “Today, the military-political situation surrounding our countries remains complex. We are observing a rapid increase in tensions and aggressive actions by the West against Russia and Belarus… NATO, the EU, and the Kiev regime are deliberately pursuing a path of escalation…The accelerated militarization of Europe poses a particular danger, as it is shifting industry toward military production and preparing infrastructure for the rapid deployment of armed forces.”