Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, during a meeting of the Russian-French Council in the “2 + 2” format, announced the buildup of NATO’s military presence near the borders of the Russian Federation, said Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, quoted by RIA Novosti.
“The Minister of Defense noted at the meeting that the military-political situation in Europe is degrading. The build-up of NATO’s military presence near the Russian borders continues. At the same time, he pointed out that Russian initiatives aimed at increasing predictability and reducing the risk of incidents remain in force, ”the Deputy Minister told reporters following the talks in Paris.
According to Fomin, the defense ministers and foreign ministers of Russia and France during the meeting “exchanged views on the situation on the European continent, the situation in the Middle East and North Africa.”
“Important topics of strategic stability and European security, arms control, bilateral relations were also touched upon,” the Russian Deputy Defense Minister said.
On November 11, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced an upcoming “serious conversation” with France on Ukrainian issues. “The fact that France is warning that it will raise the issue of Ukraine, I regard as an understanding of our French colleagues that they cannot escape in tomorrow’s conversation, and in general, from responsibility for the behavior of their wards in Kiev, I mean the regime of the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky <...> We will have a very serious conversation on this topic, ”Lavrov said during a press conference. At the same time, the Foreign Minister noted that Ukraine was undermining the implementation of the Minsk agreements with the connivance of Paris.
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