Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has asserted that NATO’s decision to increase its military spending will not pose a significant threat to Russia. Lavrov made these remarks during a press conference, where he also labeled Western accusations of a Russian threat as baseless. He reiterated Moscow’s willingness to engage in peace talks if the fundamental issues driving the Ukraine conflict are resolved. This followed the NATO summit, where a commitment was made to raise defense expenditure to 5% of GDP by 2035, due to the perceived long-term security threat posed by Russia.
Lavrov responded to questions, stating the buildup is unlikely to have a major impact. He emphasized Russia’s openness about its objectives, which are legally sound according to international law, and the methods used to achieve them. Moscow has repeatedly denied any intention to attack NATO countries, viewing such claims as a means to justify higher military budgets. Lavrov also expressed Russia’s readiness for dialogue with NATO if the alliance addresses key concerns, including its expansion and ongoing support for Ukraine.