Lavrov: Russia’s patience with West ‘running out’, to 'make a decision'

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia's patience with the West has come to an end, warning that Moscow will not wait forever for the US and NATO to respond to its security demands.

"Our patience has come to an end. We are very patient; you know that we have been exercising restraint for a long time. We showed restraint for a very long time, now it's time for us to go. We are waiting for the driver on that wagon to answer us specifically on our proposals," Lavrov said at a press conference in Moscow on Friday.

Russia, he said, will not endlessly wait for changes and promises from the West. Moscow wants a detailed written response to its security demands as to which worked and which did not with an explanation, he added.

“We know and are able to ensure our security in any case,” the top Russian diplomat stressed.

"I assure you that we will not endlessly wait for some changes and promises. We expect answers from our colleagues, written answers, put on paper, as we did when submitting our proposals. But in the meantime, we will continue to work to ensure that we are ready in the event of any development of events.”

The West should "understand the need to do this quickly, specifically on paper, and realize that the Russian Federation will not wait indefinitely," he said.

The Russian foreign minister said President Vladimir Putin could take the final decision once Moscow had received a point-by-point response to its proposals and counter-proposals from the West.

“On the whole, we are convinced that if there is goodwill, if there is a readiness for compromises, then a mutually acceptable solution can always be found,” Lavrov added.

"If our proposals are rejected… we will assess the situation and report to the president. The Russian Federation will make a decision taking into account all factors, primarily in the interests of reliable security."

SS