The Kremlin accuses NATO of effectively fighting against Russia by supporting Ukraine."NATO is de facto involved in this war," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in Moscow on Monday. The alliance is providing Kyiv with direct and indirect support. One can say with absolute certainty that NATO is fighting against Russia. Moreover, diplomatic efforts to end the war are currently paused.

Peskov criticized Ukraine for lacking flexibility in this regard. The vice chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, declared that Russia would consider the protection of Ukrainian airspace by NATO forces a declaration of war. Medvedev wrote on his Russian Telegram channel:"The implementation of the provocative idea of some Kyiv residents and other idiots to establish a no-fly zone over 'Ukraine' and shoot down our drones with NATO forces means only one thing – a NATO war with Russia."

Medvedev also threatened European states with consequences should they attempt to confiscate frozen Russian assets. Russia will pursue EU states"until the end of the century," the former president declared. This comes amid reports that the EU Commission is considering using the proceeds from frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine.