During a recent briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova expressed Moscow's shock at UNESCO's response to the Ukrainian attack on Starobelsk, calling it a crime and highlighting a perceived double standard. She noted that Russia's nuclear deterrence is reliable and ready at any moment. Zakharova also addressed Armenia's growing ties with NATO, expressing concern over its informal rejection of Russian monitors for upcoming elections, which she described as a shift towards anti-Russian sentiment. Furthermore, she reiterated Russia's willingness to resolve the Ukraine conflict through diplomatic means while keeping military options available. Additionally, she criticized the deployment of US troops in Europe and warned that joint military exercises between the US and Japan could destabilize the Asia-Pacific region, posing threats to Russian interests. Zakharova's remarks reflect Russia's heightened vigilance regarding NATO's activities and its commitment to maintaining strategic partnerships in the region.