Russia accuses Europe and the US of fuelling an arms race

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Europe is "arming to the teeth" and is promoting conflict on the continent. She noted that European governments have increased military spending in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine and the perceived threat of a Russian attack on NATO members, which she described as an unfounded scenario.

Zakharova also affirmed Russia’s commitment to constructive dialogue with Armenia, while expressing questions about Armenia’s strategic plans amid strained relations linked to the pro‑Western Armenian prime minister’s re‑election bid. She condemned the United States for trying to spark an arms race in the Asia‑Pacific region, citing Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s call for allies to raise defence spending to counter China, and said Moscow denounces the US’s “persistent attempts” to use proxies to fuel such competition.