Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in an interview with the Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet, reacted to the statements of Western intelligence and European Union (EU) leaders that Russia is allegedly preparing an “occupation” of Europe, or is seeking to expand its influence in the continent.

“There is indeed a basis for such accusations. We are listening to them. Perhaps their leaders know more about Russia’s plans than we do. In any case, we know nothing about ‘our plans to attack Europe, let alone occupy it,’” the Russian FM announced.

According to Lavrov, the myth of the “Russian threat” is being purposefully exaggerated in order to unite Western society, which is tired of social and economic difficulties.

“Those experts who believe that the ruling circles of Europe and North America are creating an image of Russia as an enemy in order to divert attention from inflation, unemployment, falling incomes, and rising crime are not far from the truth,” Russian FM explained.

Lavrov stressed that Moscow was “sad and worried” by how the EU was turning from an integration project into a “politico-military bloc, a kind of appendage of NATO,” and the advancement of anti-Russian rhetoric could “have far-reaching consequences for all Europeans.”