Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during the Primakov Readings international forum, called NATO expansion the main driving motive in relation to Russia and other countries. His words are quoted by RIA Novosti.

According to the minister, the North Atlantic Alliance uses expansion as the main driving motive not only in relations with Russia, but also with countries in the post-Soviet space and with members of the former Warsaw Pact.

Lavrov added that NATO also interacts with other countries and regions in the world.

“[NATO] shamelessly and without even blushing refused to admit that they promised both Gorbachev and Yeltsin not to expand to the East, although there is plenty of evidence that they are lying,” the Russian Foreign Minister emphasized.

Lavrov has previously lamented that the United States is holding a "frozen" strategic dialogue with Russia. According to him, the latest result of joint efforts in this direction was an agreement to extend the START Treaty for five years.