Media: Russia intends to recall its Permanent Representative to NATO
Russia is considering the possibility of reducing its representation at NATO from a permanent attorney to a temporary one, as reported by Izvestia newspaper, citing sources in the Russian Foreign Ministry.
According to them, this measure is connected to the fact that the North Atlantic Alliance "is not inclined to a constructive dialogue, and any discussions grow into accusations against the Russians."
"We are considering the option of leaving a chargé d'affaires pro tempore in Brussels after Alexander Grushko, Russia's Permanent Representative to NATO, returns to Moscow," the high-ranking source in the Russian Foreign Ministry told the newspaper. "However, it is too early to say that the decision has been made. Moscow will take such steps if there are no positive changes in the near future," he noted.
The interlocutor of Izvestia newspaper added that the Russian Foreign Ministry "is ready to talk and debate with NATO, and considers it useful."
"Meanwhile, the next Russia-NATO Council is planned for July 13th. However, Moscow has doubts that this meeting will bring any result," the newspaper writes. The source of the news agency explained that the alliance "does not want to listen and hear" the position of Russia and "again develops an exclusively accusatory line" in relation to Moscow because of the situation in Ukraine.
The first deputy chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, Vladimir Jabarov, in a conversation with the newspaper, described the possible measures against NATO as justified because of "the alliance's refusal to cooperate with Russia." However, he said, "changes in NATO's position should not be ruled out." At the same time, Jabarov expressed hope that the relations between Russia and NATO "will be restored to an acceptable level."
The press service of Russia's permanent mission to NATO said that they cannot comment on this issue, Izvestia writes.