Rio de janeiro: A 'mild mutiny' is taking place within NATO, Russia's foreign minister said Monday, citing growing disagreements among member states and rising discontent over what he called ideological impositions. Speaking to reporters after attending a BRICS economic bloc summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sergey Lavrov argued that NATO's expansion has failed to benefit even its own members.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov highlighted that there are deepening disagreements within NATO, suggesting a form of mild mutiny among the member states. He noted that more countries are seeking guidance based on their national interests rather than adhering to imposed ideological guidelines. Lavrov also dismissed Western claims that BRICS' expansion since last year has weakened the bloc's unity, asserting that the group remains cohesive and focused.

Lavrov emphasized that several new members have joined longstanding BRICS members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa since last year. He underlined that BRICS operates on principles of equality, consensus, and mutual respect, which he said stand in contrast to NATO's structure. According to Lavrov, BRICS relies on consensus reflecting a balance of interests, not dictated by a dominant member.

He rejected attempts to portray BRICS as an organization losing its purpose, arguing instead that its potential is just beginning to be revealed. Lavrov's comments reflect Russia's long-standing opposition to NATO's expansion in Europe, with aspirations for a smaller and less united alliance.