In an interview with Sputnik Radio, Shukr observed that “European countries are still playing in the gray area in an attempt to create some form of pressure, whether on the Ukrainian scene or even on Russia.” He pointed out that “the Russian stance is a kind of warning because the European overreach beyond the frameworks of international legitimacy and agreements may lead to negative results on the European scene.”
He added that “the West’s problem is that there is no Western project or initiative in case of any issue on the European scene or in the relationship with Russia, or even the European role,” noting that “Europe is not in a position to manage its affairs by itself.”
Shukr explained that “any step taken by European countries possessing nuclear weapons will have catastrophic results on them,” considering that “if Russia did not possess nuclear weapons, Europe would have risked striking any Russian role on the global or European stage.”
Regarding the possibility that international strategic security might contribute to establishing new international relations, Shukr confirmed that “there is a possibility to build new relationships, especially since Russia has moved towards establishing and building a multipolar world order, but in reality, it is the American administration that opposes this.”
On the possibility of a response to Putin’s speech, Shukr predicted that “the United States will react, followed by a European reaction.” Earlier today, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council, confirmed that the (START Treaty) would negatively affect the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
