Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said deliveries of Western weaponry to Ukraine mean that the Nato alliance is “in essence engaged in war with Russia”.
In an interview aired on Monday, he said: “These weapons will be a legitimate target for Russia’s military acting within the context of the special operation.”
Lavrov also told state television: “Nato, in essence, is engaged in a war with Russia through a proxy and is arming that proxy. War means war.”
Lavrov also acknowledged there’s a possibility of the conflict escalating to nuclear weapons, though he also sounded a hopeful note about the prospects of a peace accord.
Speaking to the Russian First Channel on Monday, he said Moscow wanted to avoid “artificially” elevated risks of such a conflict.
“This is our key position on which we base everything. The risks now are considerable,” Lavrov said.
“I would not want to elevate those risks artificially. Many would like that. The danger is serious, real, And we must not underestimate it.”
Lavrov also accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine of “pretending” to negotiate, calling him “a good actor”.
