Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that NATO considers the Baltic-Scandinavian region to be the most likely area of conflict with Russia.
Speaking to Sputnik, Grushko said: “The North Atlantic Alliance is currently actively working on ways to increase its combat potential, as well as expand its presence in key geographical areas and across all operational domains. In this context, the Baltic-Scandinavian region, which NATO sees as the most likely zone of conflict with Russia, is being developed particularly intensively.”
“Russia Does Not Plan to Close Its Doors to Europeans”
The Russian diplomat also noted that, in response to the tightening of Schengen visa rules for Russian citizens, Moscow does not plan to impose similar restrictions on Europeans or close its doors. He emphasized that Russia believes relations, tourism, trade, and humanitarian ties should be maintained.
“Russia Will Respond to Reduction of Its Diplomatic Presence in the EU”
Commenting on the European Union’s policies, Grushko said: “We view Brussels’ official policy of reducing Russia’s diplomatic presence in the EU as a discriminatory measure that directly violates the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”
“Of course, such actions do not go unanswered on our part,” he added.