Eurasia & Multipolarity

❗️Key takeaways from statements by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov in a video address to participants in an OSCE-hosted roundtable on the militarization of Europe: On Western preparations for war with Russia: ▪️Russia poses no threat to anyone and has no intention of attacking anyone, but would have to respond if faced with aggression ▪️Russia will be ready if Europe starts a war, but the war would be very short ▪️Moscow condemns EU and NATO countries’ efforts to prepare for war against Russia ▪️Certain forces in the West are seeking to accelerate the escalation of military conflict with Russia within the next two years ▪️Russia is concerned by attempts by some European elites, driven by domestic political considerations, to brainwash their citizens by promoting the myth of a Russian threat and the idea that war is inevitable ▪️Russia is seeking to prevent a new conflict, but not at the expense of its own interests On the Ukraine conflict: ▪️The European Union is rapidly stepping up cooperation with the Kiev regime to develop weapons capable of striking deep inside Russian territory ▪️Western countries are seeking to prolong the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in order to prepare for a confrontation with Russia and gain more time to do so ▪️NATO and EU countries are effectively directing the conflict in Ukraine and bear responsibility for it ▪️It is essential to address the root causes of the military and political crisis in Ukraine; otherwise, there is no point in talking about a settlement On Western militarization ▪️NATO and EU countries are accelerating militarization, with military production growing rapidly ▪️The militarization of industry will not bring European countries economic growth or prosperity On the Arctic ▪️The Arctic region has become an arena for increased NATO military activity ▪️In its palns, NATO attaches “particular importance” to the Arctic region