Level of Relations Between Russia and UK is Close to Zero, Defence Minister Shoigu Says
14:55 GMT 11.02.2022 (Updated: 15:18 GMT 28.05.2023)
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MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The level of Russian-British relations is close to zero and it's necessary to stop escalating tensions between Moscow and NATO, Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu said during a meeting with his British counterpart Ben Wallace in Moscow.
"This is our first meeting in the past several years. Unfortunately, the level of our cooperation is close to zero and is heading below minus, and this is what we would like to avoid. That is why I hope to discuss the most pressing issues with you without fuelling up the already existing tensions between Russia and NATO, and between Russia and Great Britain, in particular, relying on the history of our partnership and military cooperation," Shoigu said.
According to the minister, the situation in Europe is becoming tenser, and Russia is not to blame.
According to the minister, the situation in Europe is becoming tenser, and Russia is not to blame.
"The military-political situation in Europe is becoming tenser and tenser. And it is far from our fault. We do not quite and not always understand the reasons for this tension. However, we see it growing," Shoigu said.
He also called on the West to reduce tensions in Europe and stop delivering weapons to Ukraine.
"For our part, we would also like to suggest contributing to reducing this tension and stopping the supply of weapons to Ukraine. It is coming from all sides, it is being done publicly …It's not entirely clear why. I would also like to understand why the United Kingdom sent its special forces to Ukraine, and how long they will stay there," Shoigu said.
British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace takes part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Russia February 11, 2022
© REUTERS / MAXIM SHEMETOV
The meeting between the two defence ministers comes amid a continuing escalation of tensions between Russia and NATO over the situation in Ukraine. The US, UK, and EU have been threatening Russia with severe sanctions if it invades Ukraine, while Moscow insists it has absolutely no intention of attacking anyone and rejects the allegations as groundless. Moscow, for its part, stressed that NATO's increased military activity close to its borders and active financial and technical support to Kiev presents a threat to Russia's national security.
