"I could not agree more. We experience this in practice on an almost daily basis. Many facts, and we should admit it, speak in favor of this forecast. And we believe this forecast is true not only based on our feelings," Lavrov said at the XXXII Assembly of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy.
Since the beginning of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, Western countries, including the European Union, have imposed comprehensive sanctions against Moscow, which has resulted in an unprecedented cooling in relations between the sides.
Moreover, the Group of Seven (G7) led by the United States and some EU nations has been discussing legal ways to confiscate Russian assets.
Acute Phase of Russia-West Confrontation in 'Full Swing,' Lavrov Says
The Russian foreign minister added that the acute phase of the military and political confrontation between Russia and the Western countries is in "full swing."
"The acute phase of the military and political confrontation with the West continues and, if I may say so, is in full swing. We observe particular zeal in anti-Russian rhetoric among our European neighbors," Lavrov said.
The foreign minister noted that everyone has heard the statements from French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and other politicians about an "imminent war" with Russia.
"We remain open to dialogue with the West, including on issues of security and strategic stability. But, firstly, not from a position of strength, not from a position of our own exceptionalism, but only on an equal footing and with respect for each other's interests," Lavrov said.
The second important point for Russia is that the dialogue should be in "the full range of problems that exist in today's world in the field of strategic stability" and the military and political landscape, the minister added.
Putin’s Visit to China Confirms Moscow's Comprehensive Ties With Beijing: Lavrov
The recent visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to China confirms that Moscow and Beijing have comprehensive strategic partnership ties, Lavrov said.
"Recently, President Putin visited the People's Republic of China, his first foreign visit since his re-election. Talks with President Xi Jinping and meetings with other representatives of the Chinese leadership have confirmed that our relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation surpass in quality the traditional interstate alliances of the previous era and continue to play a key role in maintaining international security and balanced global development," the top diplomat said.