Lavrov: CSTO Countries Will Not Allow to Get Themselves Involved in the West’s Plans to Escalate Tensions

In an interview with Mezhdunarodnaya zhizn journal, Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, has said that the CSTO Member States “will not allow the West to involve themselves in plans to escalate military and political tension.”

“We are confident that our allies take a critical approach to the West’s recently increased attention to their countries and will not allow themselves to get involved in plans aimed at escalating military and political tensions. In general, of course, we expect that in developing ties with third countries and associations, our allies in the EAEU and the CSTO will not take steps that contradict their obligations within the framework of these organizations,” Mr Lavrov said.

The Russian Foreign Minister added that Russia does not interfere in the relations of other countries and does not oppose the establishment of contacts in the global community, but asks to take into account its legitimate interests while doing so.