In an interview published on Wednesday, Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister responsible for U.S. relations, non-proliferation, and arms control, warned that the United States is mistaken if it believes it can prevail in the next arms race.
Sergei Ryabkov emphasized that the present circumstances are not conducive to arms talks with Washington
Sergei Ryabkov emphasized that Russia remains resilient against provocations, prioritizing its security amidst strained relations with the West. The fallout has positioned Moscow in a perceived battle against the “collective West” in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin, addressing concerns over territorial integrity, underscored Russia’s willingness to employ nuclear weapons if necessary, hinting at a potential resumption of nuclear testing. Despite these tensions, Sergei Ryabkov affirmed Russia’s commitment to navigating provocations without compromising its security.
Sergei Ryabkov reiterated Russia’s stance that it is not threatening a military conflict with NATO but emphasized that any potential escalation depends on the actions of the alliance
Sergei Ryabkov placed the responsibility squarely on NATO‘s side, stating, “The onus is entirely on NATO’s side.” Despite the tense relations, Sergei Ryabkov expressed that while a “rupture” in ties with Washington is possible, Russia would never initiate such a step. He concluded by noting that the current situation does not favor exchanging signals on key issues, including arms controls.
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