
Sergey Ryabkov. Photo courtesy of Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs/TASS
MINSK, 17 May (BelTA) - Moscow may lower the level of diplomatic relations with Washington if certain scenarios unfold, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in an interview with TASS, BelTA has learned.
Sergey Ryabkov noted that Russia has never been the first to make such moves in its relations with the United States or other NATO countries. "But, in my opinion, they (such steps] are quite possible if the West chooses the path of escalation," the diplomat said, adding that developments that will make the downgrade of diplomatic relations possible "do not necessarily imply increased support to Kiev," but, for example, measures "related to our assets or other moves in the economic domain."
The diplomat, however, added that he was not ready to theorize on what the exact "trigger" for this situation could be.
"If the situation continues to deteriorate, it will become a subject of specific analysis and decision-making at the level of political leaders."
Sergey Ryabkov stressed that the Russian side has every reason to consider such options.
He also pointed out that NATO is balancing on the brink of a direct armed clash with Russia.
The diplomat believes that the destruction of the European security architecture could have been avoided if the United States and other NATO countries had taken Russia's warnings and calls seriously. "NATO enlargement ultimately led to the current crisis, but history, apparently, does not teach our adversaries anything. They continue the maniacal advancement of the alliance to new frontiers in pursuit of the supposed greater security for them," Sergey Ryabkov said. According to him, "this has not made NATO countries safer". On the contrary, "countries are stressed and strained."
Sergey Ryabkov noted that Russia has never been the first to make such moves in its relations with the United States or other NATO countries. "But, in my opinion, they (such steps] are quite possible if the West chooses the path of escalation," the diplomat said, adding that developments that will make the downgrade of diplomatic relations possible "do not necessarily imply increased support to Kiev," but, for example, measures "related to our assets or other moves in the economic domain."
The diplomat, however, added that he was not ready to theorize on what the exact "trigger" for this situation could be.
"If the situation continues to deteriorate, it will become a subject of specific analysis and decision-making at the level of political leaders."
Sergey Ryabkov stressed that the Russian side has every reason to consider such options.
He also pointed out that NATO is balancing on the brink of a direct armed clash with Russia.
The diplomat believes that the destruction of the European security architecture could have been avoided if the United States and other NATO countries had taken Russia's warnings and calls seriously. "NATO enlargement ultimately led to the current crisis, but history, apparently, does not teach our adversaries anything. They continue the maniacal advancement of the alliance to new frontiers in pursuit of the supposed greater security for them," Sergey Ryabkov said. According to him, "this has not made NATO countries safer". On the contrary, "countries are stressed and strained."