"NATO, generally speaking, has chosen a confrontational path. The speed with which NATO members chopped off all contact with the Russian Federation, essentially freezing numerous projects under the NATO-Russia Council, projects that are of mutual interest, shows that the mentality of the Cold War has not disappeared anywhere especially in the minds of our NATO partners," Lavrov said at a press conference in Moscow.
The foreign minister added that if NATO shows readiness for an equal dialogue, Russia is "always ready" for cooperation.
Relations between Russia and NATO deteriorated in 2014 as NATO increased its military presence in Eastern Europe in response to the Ukrainian crisis, accusing Moscow of interfering in Ukraine’s affairs. Russia, has denied the allegations, expressing concerns over the buildup of NATO forces near its borders.
