Moscow. January 30th. INTERFAX - They want to "tighten" Ukraine into NATO, its entry into the alliance will really undermine relations between Russia and the West, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
On the air of Channel One, the minister noted that "every time it turns out that the line that they (NATO - IF) have to defend is shifting further east."
"Now it has already come close to Ukraine. They want to drag this country there too. Although it is clear to everyone that Ukraine is not ready and will not make any contribution to strengthening NATO's security. This will really undermine relations with the Russian Federation, as it will be a gross violation of the official political commitment assumed by the presidents of the United States and other member countries of the Alliance. Let them console themselves with the fact that he is "defensive". It doesn't make it any easier for us. The line of defense has already come close," Lavrov said.
He recalled that article 10 of the Washington Treaty on the Creation of the North Atlantic Alliance states that NATO member states can invite any European country outside this bloc that complies with the principles of this Treaty and can contribute to strengthening the security of the alliance.
"That's what it's about. They don't just have the right to "invite whoever I want" - they should see how much this adds security to the alliance itself. We have received countries with whose peoples we have good relations - Montenegro, Macedonia," the Russian minister said.
