MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Grusko stressed that NATO's belligerent rhetoric did not reflect the real development of events in the crisis-hit Ukraine as it had been playing the same tune for a long time and had become outdated.
"NATO continues to position Russia as a participant in the conflict, which is far from reality and has a serious confrontational potential because, in essence, it gives Kiev carte blanche to seek a military solution to the conflict," Grushko said in an interview with Rossiya-24 television.
Grushko also said that possible membership of Ukraine and Georgia in NATO may "lay a mine" for the European security, and the alliance understands this.
He added that NATO rhetoric is not consistent with real state of affairs in Europe.
Baltic states attempt to shift responsibility for internal problems by creating myth about a "Russian threat," the Russian diplomat said.
"It seems like some states, for various reasons, including internal political, enjoy being in the front-line, requiring special attention, special protection. And what is most important, [these countries] continue to search for more enemies and to write off their own mistakes whether in foreign policy or internal under the guise of some mythical threat from Russia "
According to Grushko, NATO activity is boosted in the Baltic region, which has been absolutely safe "from the point of view of threats."
Arctic Military Standoff Contrary to States' Interests
According to Grushko, NATO states should be “well aware that turning the Arctic into some kind of military confrontation zone would be contrary to the interests of Arctic countries.”
“And I am sure Arctic countries understand this," he added.
Grushko’s words come amid the Norway-led Arctic Challenge Exercise 2015 fighter jet drills in Scandinavia. Nine nations are participating in the exercises. Finland, Sweden and Switzerland are the only non-NATO states taking part in the drills.
