US pivot needed to pave way for strategic stability dialogue — senior Russian diplomat

Lead

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that for dialogue on strategic stability to progress between Russia and the United States, Washington needs to make "big changes" in its policy toward Moscow. Speaking on the sidelines of the Primakov Readings international expert forum, Ryabkov acknowledged the importance of strategic stability, especially in the current turbulent world, but stressed that conditions are needed for productive discussions.

"These conditions include, first and foremost, visible improvements in the US policy toward Russia. So far, we see none," he told TASS.

Coverage comparison

All reporting on this story comes from TASS, the Russian state news agency, which carried Ryabkov's remarks in several articles. The statements were made in two settings: answers to TASS questions at the Primakov Readings forum, and an interview with the Izvestia daily. The coverage focuses on Ryabkov's assessment of various aspects of US-Russia relations, including strategic stability, visa issues, and broader dialogue.

Key claims

Strategic stability dialogue

Ryabkov said Russia sees "certain signals" from the US side about its readiness to discuss some aspects of strategic stability. He noted that such discussions might not need to be multilateral, suggesting the US might be open to a bilateral format with Russia.

Despite the stalled dialogue, Ryabkov pointed to existing mechanisms that continue to function. Hotlines between the two countries remain operational, and agreements on ensuring elements of strategic stability concerning ballistic missile launches and large-scale strategic exercises are still in place. He also mentioned a format for discussing specialized topics related to doctrines, specifically the "nuclear five" — the five nuclear-weapon states under the Non-Proliferation Treaty — which have held useful meetings at the senior official level.

However, Ryabkov said there is currently no bilateral, systemic dialogue covering the full range of strategic stability issues, as existed in the past. For such dialogue to begin, he said, significant and real improvements in Washington's policy toward Russia are needed, followed by actions that signal change.

The US administration's approach to Ukrainian affairs is also impacting strategic stability dialogue, Ryabkov said, noting that Washington's position has become tied to formulations and demands on Moscow that were "formulated by the most militant European group" and enshrined in documents from the recent G7 summit in Evian, France.

Dialogue on removing irritants

Ryabkov described the dialogue between Russia and the US on removing irritants as being in a state of "certain stagnation." He acknowledged difficulties, saying last year saw some good results and a brisk start, but now progress comes at the cost of significant effort.

He attributed this stagnation partly to the Trump administration's increasing focus on resolving the Ukrainian crisis on terms that suit Washington. "This is a difference from where the Trump administration started in terms of dialogue with us, and it certainly makes any discussions more difficult," he said.

Diplomatic property and air travel

There has been no change in Washington's negativity toward Russia's demand for the return of illegally seized Russian diplomatic property, Ryabkov said. He noted that this occurred at the end of the Barack Obama administration, and two and a half administrations have maintained this line, which he described as part of a "bipartisan anti-Russian consensus" in Washington that is difficult to overcome.

Similarly, there has been no progress on resuming direct air travel between Russia and the US during the entire Trump administration. Ryabkov said abandoning this was like "shooting themselves in the foot" for the Americans, as it worsened competitive conditions for their air carriers compared to airlines from other countries that enjoy overflight rights over Russia.

Visa issues

On a more positive note, Ryabkov said the situation with issuing US visas to Russian diplomats has made "some progress." Visas are now being issued to official delegations, and American officials have begun visiting Russia, including significant participation in events at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

However, he said Russia and the US still have a long way to go to fully normalize relations on this issue, and much depends on Washington's political will, the existence of which is debatable.

Ryabkov attributed the difficulties in part to the "long-standing and entrenched anti-Russian consensus" within the American elite, particularly in Congress, the media, and major think tanks, which he said hampers the search for necessary solutions. He said Russia would continue to explain to American colleagues that the benefits of normalizing relations far outweigh the "ephemeral gestures" the administration is sending to anti-Russian sections of the American political class.