MOSCOW: A senior Russian diplomat asserted in published remarks on Wednesday that Washington is mistaken if it anticipates winning the upcoming arms race, further stating that the prospect of a military conflict between Moscow and NATO remains plausible.
Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister overseeing US relations, non-proliferation, and arms control, expressed to Izvestia that the current situation was unfavourable for discussions on arms with Washington.
“If the United States expects to win the next arms race, repeating to some extent the experience of the presidency of Ronald Reagan … then the Americans are mistaken,” Izvestia cited Ryabkov as saying.
“We will not succumb to provocations …. but we can guarantee that we will ensure our security.”
After Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, its relations with numerous Western nations soured, prompting Moscow to assert it is engaged in combat against what it terms the “collective West” within Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, firmly conveyed to the West that his statements about employing nuclear weapons were not mere bluffs, especially in defense of Russia’s territorial integrity. Additionally, he hinted at the prospect of Russia recommencing nuclear testing.
Ryabkov reiterated Russia’s stance, emphasizing that Moscow wasn’t directly provoking a military clash with NATO. However, he underscored that any potential escalation hinged on the actions taken by the alliance.
Ryabkov emphasized that NATO bore the full responsibility, stressing the dire state of relations between Moscow and Washington, hinting at the potential for a rupture while asserting that Russia would not be the instigator. He further highlighted that the current scenario didn’t facilitate signalling for vital matters like arms control.
