MOSCOW (Sputnik) — NATO will hurt its own interests if it continues to implement the concept of combining deterrence and dialogue in its approach to Russia adopted at the 2014 NATO summit in Wales, Russia's envoy to NATO Alexander Grushko said Friday.
"It is clear that if NATO continues to implement policies announced at the 2014 Wales Summit, it will hurt the Alliance's own interests," Grushko told Russian reporters following NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels.
In 2014, NATO suspended practical civilian and military cooperation with Russia amid strained relations over the Ukrainian crisis, as the alliance accused Moscow of involvement in the conflict. Russia has repeatedly denied the claims, also expressing concern over the build-up of NATO forces in Eastern Europe.
Political dialogue in the NATO-Russia Council has not been halted.
According to the Russian envoy, certain NATO members have pointed out that a lack of cooperation with Russia has led to serious political problems.
"…many Europeans are starting to realize that a policy of isolating Russia has failed, that common threats demand united efforts based on true cooperation, that the same states [NATO members] are cooperating with us on key security issues outside the Russia-NATO format," Grushko told journalists.
Russia-NATO dialogue must facilitate decisions aimed at strengthening security, the Russian envoy to NATO stressed.
"Trust-building measures, risks reduction, will be key issues under consideration if new consultations on viability of future Russia-NATO Council meetings begin," Grushko said.
The ministers have agreed to hold a fresh Russia-NATO Council meeting prior to the NATO Warsaw Summit in July.
In April, a Russia-NATO Council meeting at the level of permanent envoys was held in Brussels.
