Russian representative Alexander Grushko has accused Western states of deliberately preparing for an armed confrontation with the Russian Federation at a meeting of foreign ministers from the member states of the OSCE in Vienna.

Source: European Pravda, citing Grushko's address

Details: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told diplomats from OSCE states that the arms control regime in Europe has become "a victim of the West's aggressive policy".

Quote: "The concept of greater security with fewer weapons has been replaced by a drive to achieve military superiority in all domains and in all theatres. The Baltic, the Black Sea region and the Arctic have been turned by the EU and NATO into zones of confrontation."

More details: Grushko claimed that there are no signs that the EU and NATO are ready to de-escalate and "return to peaceful coexistence".

Quote: "On the contrary, there is a deliberate effort to prepare the economy, society and the military for an inevitable armed clash with Russia, which has been designated a long-term threat and is maniacally accused of absurd intentions to attack NATO."

More details: During his speech, Grushko also levelled accusations at the OSCE itself, alleging it is waging a "hybrid war" against Russia and has "Ukrainised" its agenda.

Background:

• On 2 December, Russian leader Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is "ready" for war if Europe "wants to fight".
• In late November, Putin claimed that Russia is prepared to state in writing that it does not intend to attack Europe.

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