The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused the US of threatening Moscow’s national security.
In an interview with Russian state TV likely to worsen already poor relations with Washington, Mr Lavrov blamed the Obama administration for what he described as a sharp deterioration in US-Russia ties.
“We have witnessed a fundamental change of circumstances when it comes to the aggressive Russophobia that now lies at the heart of U.S. policy towards Russia,” Mr Lavrov said. “It’s not just a rhetorical Russophobia, but aggressive steps that really hurt our national interests and pose a threat to our security.”
“This is a very dangerous game given that Russia, being in Syria at the invitation of the legitimate government of this country and having two bases there, has got air defence systems there to protect its assets,” said Mr Lavrov.
The remarks came as tensions continued to mount between the two powers and Russia stepped up its military presence in Eastern Europe, moving nuclear capable missiles close to Poland.
