US, NATO made 'extremely risky bet' on Ukraine escalation, warns Russia

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) – Russia has warned that the US and NATO have made an “extremely risky bet” by pushing for an increase in hostilities in Ukraine.

“The US and its NATO satellites have made an extremely risky bet on the further escalation of the conflict. The collective West has openly declared its objective of inflicting a ‘strategic defeat’ on Russia,” Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview published by Russian weekly Argumenty i Fakty on Tuesday.

Lavrov said Russia is still open to finding a peaceful solution, but any talks must be on “an equal footing and with … consideration of Russian interests.”

He said the West remains unwilling for constructive dialogue and is instead “looking for new ways to contain Russia.”

Lavrov said Russia has “made pragmatic, non-politicized proposals” that were either ignored or rejected by the US and EU.

Responding to a question, he said the EU has “lost” Moscow because its members and leaders have made clear their stance against Russia.

He said Moscow has drawn “the necessary conclusions” from Western military support to Ukraine, adding that it will react “harshly” if necessary, but always in line with “national interests and the principle of reciprocity.”

“If the Europeans at some point abandon their anti-Russian course and opt for a mutually respectful dialogue, we will consider their proposals and make decisions based on our national interests,” said Lavrov.

- ‘US trying to derail Russia-Africa ties’

Lavrov said the US is pressuring African countries and trying to “dissuade” them from participating in Russia’s planned summit with African nations in July.

However, there are fewer people “willing to sacrifice fundamental interests for the sake of Washington” and its allies, he added.

“Attempts to prevent our cooperation with the states of the Global South and East will continue, but their success is far from guaranteed,” Lavrov said.

The main difference between Russia and the West is that Moscow does not have a “hidden agenda,” does not apply “double standards,” and offers “interstate cooperation on the principles of international law, equality, mutual respect and consideration of interests,” he said.

“It seems that this approach appeals to Africans. And not only them … all normal countries. And, of course, we have something to offer our African friends, including in terms of ensuring their national security and meeting their humanitarian needs,” Lavrov explained.

The summit, due to be held in St. Petersburg, is a critical part of efforts to enhance Russia’s cooperation with Africa, with the agenda including issues such as technology transfer, industrial development, and critical infrastructure development, he added.

Digitalization, agriculture and mining, and food and energy security are also priority areas, according to the Russian foreign minister.