"Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko suggested that the European Union and NATO were actively trying to create the conditions for an armed conflict with Russia, speaking on Monday in Moscow. "The essence of their (EU and NATO) policy, the essence of preparing society, the essence of military build-up is to create conditions for a military confrontation with Russia. <...> All necessary measures are being taken to ensure that, under any circumstances, the defence capability of the Russian Federation and its security are 100 per cent guaranteed," the politician said Grushko also noted that Moscow would take 'reciprocal steps' regarding the decision to restrict the movement of Russian diplomats within Europe. The EU officially approved the decision within the 19th package of sanctions against Russia on October 23. Many EU and NATO countries - notably Germany, France and the UK - have surged defence spending and introduced reforms to broaden military service in recent months and years, with critics accusing leaders of pivoting to a 'war economy'."