He said that Russia wants to work with a strong Europe which builds its international relations from the starting point of its own interests rather than putting to the fore transatlantic solidarity at any price.

He said making the easing or abolishment of European sanctions on Russia conditional on a fulfilment of the Minsk agreement was “absurd” given that Russia is not directly affected by the conflict.

This encourages Kiev to sabotage the agreement, he added. A consequence is that relations between the EU and Russia have become hostage to Ukraine’s irresponsible politicking. Meanwhile, the minister called the Paks nuclear power plant expansion planned by Russia’s Rosatom “strategic”.

There is no doubt that the Hungarian government is giving reassuring answers to questions raised by Brussels concerning the project, he added.

Lavrov said there is “constantly growing military potential” in the vicinity of the NATO and Russian borders, and the placement in Europe of America’s missile defence system represents a conscious undermining of the continent’s strategic balance.

Russia, he said, is taking the necessary steps to prevent dangers to national security and is at the same time ready for cooperation.

Source: www.hungarymatters.hu
Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.