Actions of U.S., NATO continue to fan tensions: Russian FM

Actions of the United States and NATO on the so-called "eastern front" have produced impression that they are deliberately fanning tensions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday.

In an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Lavrov said: "We are witnesses to a build-up of the military potential, growing military presence and NATO infrastructures on the so-called 'eastern front' of the alliance -- unprecedented ever since the end of the Cold War -- aimed at putting military and political pressures on our country."

"On the pretext of a mythical 'threat from the East,' U.S. troops and heavy armaments are deployed in Central and East European countries and new elements of the alliance's command and staff infrastructures emerge," said Lavrov.

Such actions are part of the "years-long destructive policy" aimed at containing Russia and achieving domination in European and world affairs.

Lavrov stressed that Russia is prepared for a dialogue and cooperation with NATO, but exclusively on the conditions of equality.

"In the current conditions, Russia, faced with the need for adapting itself to the situation in the continent, which has been changing as a result of destructive actions by NATO, is forced to take a corresponding package of measures in order to strengthen its defense capabilities and national security," Lavrov said.

The tension between Russia and NATO is continuously rising as the United States and the European Union had imposed sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis.

NATO also continuously strengthen its military presence near the Russian borders.

Russia considered these actions as a threat to its national security, and has vowed to take military and economic counter-measures. Endi