By Elena Teslova
MOSCOW (AA) - Russia may lift the self-imposed restrictions on deployment of intermediate and shorter-range missiles (IRBMs) and consider strengthening its nuclear deterrence if the US stations such weapons in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday.
In an interview with the Rossiya Segodnya news agency, he added that China shares this concern.
Lavorv also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping issued a joint statement during their recent meeting in Beijing asserting that US actions pose a direct threat to both countries, and pledged to work more closely to counter Washington's behavior.
"We will not hesitate to respond if the US deploys ground-launched IRBMs," He added.
The top diplomat went on to say: "Russia may terminate the self-imposed restrictions ... and consider strengthening our nuclear deterrence, as American missiles could target command posts and nuclear sites. These decisions rest with the president of Russia."
Together with China, Russia is addressing the negative military and political trends in the Asia-Pacific region and taking actions to mitigate their effects, including through holding large-scale joint exercises, military training, the minister said.
Asked about possibility of Russia's participation to cooperate with the OSCE, Lavrov said Russia’s continued membership in the organization is meant to directly communicate its stand to the other 56 member states, and also the consensus rule allows Moscow to block initiatives that do not align with Russia’s interests.
- F-16 fighter jets and escalation in Ukraine
Turning to the situation in Ukraine, where Russia launched a "special military operation" in 2022, Lavrov said "peace talks are hard to imagine under these circumstances."
He reminded that Ukraine also enacted a legal ban on talks with Russian leadership, noting that the process of settlement with Ukraine could be accelerated if the West stopped sending arms to Ukraine and Kyiv ceased hostilities.
"Russia remains open to negotiations, but only to discuss peace, not a cease-fire. We won't give the opponent a pause to regroup and rearm. Negotiations must be based on indivisible security and the realities on the ground," Lavrov emphasized.
The diplomat also criticized the West's decision to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, suggesting it signals NATO's willingness to escalate the conflict, possibly involving nuclear weapons.
"They are trying to tell us that the US and NATO are ready to use literally anything in Ukraine," he warned.
Lavrov highlighted joint tactical exercises with ally Belarus, hoping they will demonstrate the serious consequences of escalating nuclear tensions.
He also appreciated China’s constructive approach to the Ukraine crisis, endorsing Beijing's idea of an international peace conference with equal participation from Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes and protecting all parties' legitimate interests.
- US on halting weapon shipments to Israel
Commenting on Washington’s statement about possibly halting certain weapon shipments to Israel due to its operation in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Lavrov said: "From our experience, US statements are not to be trusted."
He criticized Washington for claiming commitment to a just solution for Palestine while fueling the armed conflict that began last October. He said that for six months Washington blocked the UN Security Council’s call for cease-fire decision, enabling the devastation of Gaza.