Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced Moscow's opposition to NATO's involvement in Eurasian security and warned of potential military intervention in Ukraine. This statement followed discussions in Moscow with leaders from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov expressed concerns that NATO has set its sights on overseeing security across the entire Eurasian continent, a goal that Russia does not support. He accused NATO of attempting to fracture the unity of ASEAN by encouraging select member nations to form exclusive groups, such as "quartets and trios," and introducing nuclear elements into their military exercises.

Lavrov emphasized, "We don't want NATO to be involved in the security of the entire Eurasian continent, and that is precisely the goal NATO has proclaimed," following his meeting with OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, and OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu. He highlighted that these developments are cause for concern and necessitate transparent and honest dialogue.

Lavrov also reiterated Russia's preference for strategic stability dialogues and diplomatic engagement, stressing Moscow's interest in gauging Washington's willingness to partake in such discussions. He underscored Russia's support for the principle of indivisible security, shared with China and other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS.

In a detailed briefing to the OSCE, Lavrov outlined President Vladimir Putin's initiative for a Greater Eurasian Partnership. This initiative is seen by Moscow as a foundational element for a future security framework in Eurasia, reflecting continental trends of growing interconnectedness in logistics, transport, and investment, with military-political focus shifting toward Eurasia.

Lavrov also accused NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte of hinting at intervention plans in Ukraine during a speech to the Ukrainian parliament. He cited Rutte's remarks about security guarantees involving immediate actions by a "coalition of the willing," potentially supported by the US, with the UK and France ready to deploy troops to Ukraine.

Lavrov noted that Rutte suggested these forces could be mobilized on land, sea, and air following a peace agreement with Russia. Moscow has consistently opposed NATO's military presence in Ukraine, labeling any foreign intervention as "unacceptable."

Regarding the expiration of the New START Treaty, Lavrov stated that its lapse has created a "vacuum" in arms control. He affirmed Russia's readiness for any eventuality, as detailed in a special Foreign Ministry statement, while maintaining Moscow's preference for dialogue and assessing Washington's readiness to engage.

The New START Treaty, the last international agreement limiting nuclear weapons deployment, expired on Feb. 5 after the US chose not to renew it. US President Donald Trump expressed aspirations for negotiating a more comprehensive agreement, potentially including China. Russia has steadfastly advocated that future security arrangements should emphasize equal and indivisible security across Eurasia, as opposed to bloc-based approaches driven by NATO.