Russia Issues Ominous Warning About War With NATO

Sergei Ryabkov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, has issued an ominous warning about a possible armed conflict between Moscow and NATO member states during an interview with Russian daily newspaper Izvestia, published Wednesday.

Russian officials have routinely insinuated that Russia could attack NATO members for providing Ukraine with assistance in the ongoing war. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said in December 2022 that such countries could be "legitimate military targets."

Ryabkov was asked whether he expects an armed conflict between Russia and NATO in the future, should relations remain as strained as they are now.

"It depends on the North Atlantic Alliance. NATO has a choice. As we already demonstrated, we are ready to protect our national interests by all means," said Ryabkov.

Ryabkov said it would be a "dangerous path" to "encroach endlessly" on Russia's interests and said that "the people who continue to test our strength, they must have believed that there was no limit to their own rate-raising game, but they may find themselves among the total losers in this arena."

The deputy foreign minister said he does not think that relations between Russia and NATO will be restored "in the foreseeable future."

"This is excluded for reasons of both principle and practicality. If anyone in the West thinks that we need these relationships and at some point we will come and ask for their restoration, this is a big mistake," said Ryabkov.

Newsweek has contacted NATO for comment by email.

The Kremlin has repeatedly accused members of NATO of becoming involved in the conflict in Ukraine by sending Kyiv weapons, providing its troops with training, and assisting with military intelligence.

Ryabkov said he believes relations between Moscow and Washington have "deteriorated to such an extent that its rupture is possible," but said if this happens, it will be because of "the decisions and actions of the White House."

The minister repeated the Kremlin line that the West is waging a "hybrid war" against Russia.

"But we are ready for them. If this is Washington's choice, we will take note of it and take appropriate countermeasures," warned Ryabkov.

"We will not allow people to talk to us in a mentoring, commanding manner, as is customary in Washington. Let me emphasize once again: we use the entire arsenal of means at our disposal in order to ensure our interests. If diplomatic relations fall out of this arsenal of means because of the United States, then this is Washington's choice," he added.

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