Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that Western countries were preparing for war with Russia while promoting what he called “a myth about a threat emanating from Russia”.
Lavrov said on Thursday that Russia would be able to respond adequately to external challenges to its security.
“Today, the ruling circles and elites of most Western countries are promoting a myth about a threat emanating from Russia, actively preparing for war against our country and condemning us, among other things, for undermining European values,” he said at the opening of the fourth congress of the International Russophile Movement in Moscow.
Lavrov contrasted the approach of US officials with that of European leaders, saying Washington was prepared to maintain dialogue even when the sides held fundamentally different positions.
“There is an important difference between the US and European elites. They are ready to talk. Even when positions are radically, diametrically opposed, it is always important,” he said.
He said Moscow was open to serious discussions with officials prepared to engage, adding that foreign officials should not visit Russia simply to repeat public criticism of the country.
“Condemnation does not require coming here. But we are always open to serious conversations,” Lavrov said, adding that this was how the US dealt with Russia.
Despite dialogue between Moscow and Washington, Lavrov said there had been no material change in relations and that he did not expect one in the near future.
