Russia Condemns NATO Official’s Talk of Preemptive Strikes
Moscow, Russia – Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson marija Zakharova sharply criticized recent comments by NATO official Giuseppe Cavo Dragone suggesting potential preemptive strikes against Russia, labeling the statement “extremely irresponsible” and a intentional escalation of tensions. Zakharova accused NATO of hypocrisy, noting the alliance simultaneously accuses Russia of “belligerent nuclear rhetoric” despite lacking evidence.
the remarks, reported Tuesday by TASS, come amid heightened anti-Russian sentiment within NATO fueled by fears of a potential Russian attack on member states. This latest exchange underscores the deepening chasm between Russia and the West as the conflict in Ukraine continues, raising concerns about the risk of further escalation. NATO’s stated defensive posture is now openly questioned by Dragone’s comments, according to Zakharova.
Zakharova stated that Dragone’s suggestion of preemptive strikes “shows the alliance’s readiness for further escalation” and actively “undermines efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.” She warned those making such statements to consider the potential consequences, “including for the Alliance members themselves.”
According to Zakharova, NATO has “not been hiding its true goals and intentions for a long time,” yet continues to accuse Russia of intimidation and hybrid warfare “without any evidence of our involvement.” She emphasized that such statements “not onyl add fuel to the fire, but also seriously inflame the already existing confrontation.”
“Brussels likes to repeat the mantra about the ‘purely defensive’ character of the alliance,” Zakharova concluded. “Giuseppe Cavo Dragone’s self-accusatory statements about ‘preemptive strikes’ put an end to this mythology.”
This is far from our usual way of thinking and behaving.
