Lavrov said that NATO must take the first step to improve relations with Russia

Lavrov told this to reporters, RIA Novosti reports.

“Yes, we proceed from this, because we have never begun to deteriorate relations either with NATO, or with the European Union, or with any country in the West or any other region of the world,” the minister said.

Earlier, Lavrov said that the activities of the military communications mission and the NATO information bureau in Moscow were suspended.

He also said that Russia is suspending the work of the Russian permanent mission to NATO.

This decision was made after the expulsion of eight employees of the Russian mission to the alliance, as well as the reduction of two more positions.