Moscow will respond proportionately if NATO countries deploy strike weapons on their territory, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said.

“If, for example, strike weapons appear on the territory of NATO countries that are able to reach our command centers within a few minutes, then we will be forced to create an adequate situation for our partners,” he said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

The time of semitones in the dialogue with NATO has passed, but Moscow’s proposals on guarantees are not an ultimatum, Grushko said.

“I absolutely do not consider them ultimatum. Our proposals are very understandable. The time of semitones and faith in words has passed. The situation is so serious that it demanded just such steps, when a fundamental conversation is necessary,” he said, as quoted by Sputnik news agency.

Moscow is taking a tough stance on its security proposals, Grushko said, commenting on the possibility to abandon any of the outlined demands.

“We have a tough position, but our message, our appeal is very clear for the West,” the Russian diplomat said.

“We look forward to a substantive dialogue with the United States. We have already formed a team, and we are ready to immediately start a corresponding conversation as soon as the Americans are ready for it,” he stressed.

Source: Agencies