Samarkand: Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergei Naryshkin, confirmed that European NATO member states are preparing for war with Russia. During a meeting of the Council of Heads of Security and Special Services of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states in Samarkand, Naryshkin stated that the European NATO countries are actively preparing for a potential conflict with Russia. He elaborated that there is an urgent task to equip the NATO Rapid Reaction Force with all necessary resources. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in the production capabilities of the European military-industrial complex, alongside mobilization exercises and regular propaganda campaigns among the population regarding inevitable aggression from Moscow.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Naryshkin emphasized the need for self-restraint, compromise, and responsibility to prevent a new global armed conflict. He mentioned that Russia has observed significant NATO activity along its western borders in recent years. He urged the West to abandon its policy of militarizing the continent.

Naryshkin also accused Kyiv of ignoring commitments made by the Trump administration to engage in constructive discussions aimed at resolving the crisis in Ukraine. He accused Kyiv of openly disregarding these commitments to find a resolution to the Ukrainian conflict.