🎙 Highlights from Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov's remarks at the international round-table discussion "The Militarisation of Europe: What Next?" (Vienna, 9 November 2026) • The military and political situation in Europe is deteriorating rapidly. NATO and European Union countries are pursuing an accelerated course of militarisation. Industrial production, and indeed the economy as a whole, is being geared towards war. Military expenditure is rising at an unprecedented rate. • We are witnessing an increase in hostile and provocative Western activity in the Baltic Sea region. Our shipping is being obstructed in violation of international law. Such actions have led to a number of dangerous incidents. • We are aware of our adversaries’ plans to blockade the Kaliningrad Region and subject it to other forms of destructive interference. It must be clear that any attempt to implement these plans would lead directly to catastrophe. We will counter any threats to Russia’s sovereignty and security by all means at our disposal. • We are observing our adversaries’ efforts to expand their military capabilities in the northern latitudes. Particular importance is being attached to the Arctic region, where Russia is regarded as a threat and, according to their logic, must be driven out. • Equally dismaying are the attempts by certain European elites, motivated by domestic political considerations, to "brainwash" their own citizens by perpetuating the myth of a Russian threat and the idea that war is inevitable. They have turned Russophobia into a marketable commodity and a driving force behind militarisation. • Military unpredictability is being exacerbated by an increase in the number of provocative incidents and military exercises conducted according to scenarios directed against Russia. For example, in 2025, at least 120 exercises were held under NATO auspices, while its member states conducted over 700 national military manoeuvres. • NATO and EU countries are deeply involved in the armed conflict in Ukraine, effectively directing it and bearing responsibility for their part in it. This is how we view the actions of those who supply Kiev with large quantities of weapons and military equipment, provide "expert assistance" on the ground, designate targets, and supply intelligence and other means intended to inflict damage on Russia. • We note the absence of any genuine commitment on the part of a number of European governments to bringing the conflict to an end. The conflict could have been resolved as early as spring 2022 had the legitimate interests of all parties, including Russia, been considered. Instead, acting through London, the West pushed the Kiev regime to reject a reasonable settlement and chose war. • We seek to avoid a new conflict, but not at the expense of Russia’s interests. We are convinced that, sooner or later, European capitals will come to recognise the need for dialogue based on the principles of equal and indivisible security, pragmatism and mutual consideration of interests. It will be possible to discuss the principles of peaceful coexistence within a future Eurasian security architecture with those who are prepared to do so, and who can set aside attempts to dictate terms.