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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov delivered a wide-ranging assessment of global security at the 24th PIR Center International School on Global Security in Zvenigorod on July 6, warning that US policy on Ukraine is moving away from diplomatic solutions and that the broader European security framework has collapsed.

Coverage

Speaking to the forum, Ryabkov said that the United States' rhetoric indicates a growing drift away from agreements on Ukraine. He described a "warmonger party" represented by the ruling circles of Britain, Germany, and France, as well as the leadership of the EU and NATO, which he said is trying to win over the Americans. According to Ryabkov, the United States—"judging by their rhetoric and recent actions"—is increasingly moving away from the concept of resolving the Ukraine issue through negotiations and compromise.

Ryabkov also addressed arms control, stating that Washington has opted for an arms race and has abandoned compliance with the limitations set out in the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START). The deputy foreign minister further said that sanctions pressure on Russia is not just being maintained but is intensifying, as attempts continue to push the country from international markets, including energy ones.

On the broader European security architecture, Ryabkov asserted that the conflict in Ukraine has led to the breakdown and collapse of the Euro-Atlantic security model. He said the conflict, "which was provoked by the West and largely planned by this group of countries," brought about the "ultimate breakdown and collapse" of that model. Ryabkov noted that it had taken decades of efforts by politicians and diplomats to build the model, with Russia playing a leading role. He added that the crisis of "Euro-Atlantism" had become clear long ago, accusing the West of years of geopolitical and economic expansion eastward, moving NATO's military infrastructure closer to Russian borders, violating arms control treaties, and sabotaging the Minsk agreements to turn Ukraine into a foothold against Russia.

Addressing European overtures, Ryabkov dismissed recent statements by Europeans about their readiness to resume dialogue with Russia as "nothing more than a diversionary tactic." He said the aim of the European Union and its member countries is to increase their role as the "militarized vanguard of the anti-Russian West" and to preserve the Kiev regime as an instrument of pressure.

Ryabkov also clarified Russia's stance, saying the country is not looking to start a fight with anyone but will thwart all infringements on its vital interests and attempts to use the language of ultimatums. He stated that Moscow and Washington must agree to respect each other's interests for any kind of strategic dialogue to take place.

Key Claims

  • US drift from negotiations: Ryabkov said that US rhetoric and recent actions show Washington moving away from resolving the Ukraine issue through negotiations and compromise.
  • New START abandonment: Ryabkov claimed the United States has opted for an arms race and abandoned compliance with New START limitations.
  • Sanctions escalation: Ryabkov said sanctions pressure on Russia is intensifying, with attempts to push the country from international markets, including energy markets.
  • Euro-Atlantic security collapse: Ryabkov stated that the Ukraine conflict, which he said was provoked and largely planned by the West, led to the collapse of the Euro-Atlantic security model.
  • European dialogue as diversion: Ryabkov dismissed European statements about readiness for dialogue as a diversionary tactic aimed at preserving the Kiev regime and increasing Europe's role as the "militarized vanguard of the anti-Russian West."
  • Russia's defensive posture: Ryabkov said Russia is not seeking conflict but will thwart infringements on its vital interests and reject ultimatums.
  • Strategic dialogue precondition: Ryabkov said Moscow and Washington must agree to respect each other's interests for any strategic dialogue to occur.