Russia is prepared to formalize its commitments in a legally binding document, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on 25/12/2024. She referred to a commitment that Moscow would not attack NATO, stating that the specific form would be decided through negotiations, but it would need to be a comprehensive international legal act.

Zakharova affirmed Russia remains open to "serious negotiations on a pragmatic and fair basis". She criticized Western countries for choosing to escalate military, political, and economic pressure instead.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. Photo: TASS

Speaking at the Valdai forum in Moscow on 22/12/2024, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov suggested that a series of steps taken by Western countries in late 2024 and early this year have heightened tensions, creating a potential risk of direct confrontation between Moscow and NATO.

He criticized the former US President Joe Biden's administration for being "obsessed with efforts to inflict strategic defeat on Russia", an approach supported by some NATO members like the UK and France, and for fostering a "war mentality" in Europe. Many countries have accelerated military buildups, citing a perceived threat from Russia.

Deputy Minister Ryabkov also rejected the notion that Russia intends to attack NATO or European Union countries. He stated, "Russia does not pursue aggressive goals like those attributed to our country", quoting President Vladimir Putin, who said Russia is ready to formalize security guarantees.

Thanh Tam (According to TASS, Reuters, Anadolu Agency)