(VOVworld) – Russia is ready to restore military ties with NATO and relieve the worst tension between them since World War II, said Russian Ambassador to NATO Alexander Grushko on Monday.

Russian Ambassador to NATO Alexander Grushko (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Grushko told reporters during a videoconference that Russia will consider such a restoration if NATO members are truly interested in military deescalation. Ambassador Grushko said that once high-ranking NATO representatives repeatedly voice this position, Russia will establish normal military ties.

In November, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said NATO does not advocate opposition and is open to the possibility of dialogues with Russia to ease tensions. Relations between the West and Russia are at their lowest point since the Cold War due to Russia’s annexation of Crimea.