Russia accused Nato of engaging in a proxy battle against Russia by arming Ukraine, saying this had created a serious and real risk of nuclear war.
In a marked escalation of Russian rhetoric, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was asked on state television about the importance of avoiding World War Three and whether the current situation was comparable to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. “The risks now are considerable,” Lavrov said, according to the ministry’s transcript of the interview.
“I would not want to elevate those risks artificially. Many would like that. The danger is serious, real. And we must not underestimate it,” Lavrov said. “Nato, in essence, is engaged in a war with Russia through a proxy and is arming that proxy. War means war.” Lavrov’s remarks came as US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin was set to convene a meeting of more than 40 countries . AGENCIES
