Russia and NATO have dangerously moved closer to a direct military confrontation, and the involvement of nuclear-armed states in the war could have catastrophic consequences. This warning was issued by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, according to Newsweek.
The statement came amid claims from the US administration suggesting that Moscow is allegedly interested in peace in Ukraine that sharply contrast with intelligence reports and statements by officials about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s continued aggressive intentions.
In 2025, Russia managed to occupy only about 1% of Ukraine’s territory. Kyiv continues its resistance largely thanks to military assistance from European partners. As a result, pressure on the West may be seen as one of the Kremlin’s options to halt further aid deliveries through a strategy of intimidation.
Threats of nuclear escalation and accusations against the West
Ryabkov stated that the US and its allies, including NATO countries, are taking steps that Moscow considers aggressive and pushing the world toward a dangerous threshold, TASS reports.
According to him, these actions are actively supported by some of "the most hawkish European NATO members,” specifically naming the United Kingdom and France.
"This was actively supported by some of the most hawkish European NATO members, notably Britain and France, whose actions were particularly aggressive," Ryabkov said.
Intimidation signal
Speaking about the possibility of a direct clash between nuclear powers, Ryabkov effectively reiterated the traditional Kremlin playbook of nuclear blackmail.
“It’s redundant to emphasize, especially for this audience, that such a conflict would have catastrophic consequences," he said.
In December 2025, Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence, said that Baltic states could potentially fall under Russian occupation, and Europe is already in a zone of direct risk.
Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made a similar warning during a speech in Berlin, stating that the Alliance could become Russia’s next target and that Europe is already at risk, as per The Guardian.
According to Budanov, Russia does not view war as an exception, but rather as a core instrument of imperial survival, which requires constant expansion.
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