The key facts

  • The Russian embassy in Germany called on the West to recognize the benefits of peaceful coexistence with Russia
  • Former British ambassador Ian Proud believes war can be avoided by offering Russia friendship
  • Dmitry Medvedev previously stated that Russia poses no threat to Europe or the West

Statement by the embassy

Representatives of the Russian embassy in Germany told RIA Novosti, that it is time for Western politicians to realize that peaceful coexistence with Russia serves, above all, the interests of their own peoples. The diplomatic mission recalled that President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said he has no intention of threatening European states, and added that Russia consistently advocates the peaceful resolution of contradictions, is ready to negotiate and to seek a way out of the current situation.

Context of earlier statements

The statement came against the backdrop of remarks by Ian Proud, the former British ambassador to Moscow, who, according to Gazeta.Ru, believes that the West can avoid war with Russia if it offers her friendship. At the same time, Proud noted that the West should not speak to Russia from a position of intellectual and moral superiority, and, in his words, Russia is ready to 'crush' Western states if they refuse peaceful coexistence. Earlier, on October 3, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev also stated that Russia threatens no one in Europe or the West, while the State Duma explained why Europe will not back down with regard to Russia.