Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov cautioned that Moscow could resort to “even stronger military means” in its war with Ukraine if the United States and its allies persist in testing Russia’s patience.
He argued that the West, particularly the US, lacks “common sense” and fails to appreciate Russia’s resolve to protect its core national security interests.
Ryabkov’s comments come as the Biden administration announced a $725 million security assistance package for Ukraine. The package aims to bolster Kyiv’s defenses as Russia escalates its attacks.
The US has only weeks to allocate nearly $7 billion remaining from a larger aid package approved by Congress earlier this year. This effort seeks to strengthen Ukraine’s position as President Joe Biden’s administration prepares to leave office in less than two months.
Ryabkov warned that the risk of military escalation depends heavily on Washington’s actions. While he suggested that an escalation wouldn’t occur “right away,” he pointed to a concerning trend, saying Moscow “cannot be pressurized indefinitely.”
“If there is no shift in the West’s stance, there will come a moment when we will see no other choice but to resort to even stronger military means,” Ryabkov said.
In late November, Russia launched the nuclear-capable “Oreshnik” intermediate-range ballistic missile during a widespread attack on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. Ryabkov confirmed the missile’s use and defended its development as a direct result of the US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019 under former President Donald Trump.
“Had it not been for Trump’s decision, there would be no Oreshnik in our hands,” Ryabkov claimed, emphasizing that the treaty’s dissolution removed constraints on Russia’s missile development.
Ryabkov criticized the Biden administration’s approach to Ukraine, stating that Russia will respond to any provocation to “assert our strong will.” He dismissed recent comments by former US President Donald Trump, who suggested he could end the Ukraine war in a day.
“We will be there when they come with ideas,” Ryabkov said, adding that any proposals must align with Russia’s national interests.
Addressing the possibility of peace talks, Ryabkov painted a grim picture. “Chances for a compromise at the moment are zero,” he said.
According to Ryabkov, Kyiv’s demands are incompatible with Russia’s goals. “The moment people in Kyiv begin to understand there’s no way Russia will go the way they suggested – there might be openings and opportunities,” he added.
Ryabkov’s statements underscore the growing tension between Russia and the West as the Ukraine conflict enters a new phase. With no immediate solutions in sight, the risk of further escalation looms large, raising concerns about the potential for broader instability.
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