Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Dragone’s remarks are "an extremely irresponsible step, indicating the readiness of the alliance to continue to move toward escalation." Zakharova said Moscow interprets the Admiral’s remarks as a deliberate attempt to undermine efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis.

The Russian Foreign Ministry rejected accusations that Russia is ramping up its nuclear deterrence, but said Russia continues to closely monitor the military activities of NATO and EU near its borders.

At a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron said there is currently no comprehensive plan regarding territorial issues. He said the matters of frozen assets, security guarantees, Ukraine joining the European Union, and European sanctions can only be finalized when European countries are present at the negotiating table.

President Zelensky said he expects to discuss key issues with US President Donald Trump amid current efforts to end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday.