Ryabkov: Russia seeks to avoid a new conflict with the West, but not at the cost of its interests

Statement at the OSCE round table

Russia seeks to prevent a new armed conflict with the West, but does not intend to sacrifice its own national interests for that purpose. This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov at an OSCE round table devoted to the militarization of Europe, reports Life.ru. “Now, as always, we seek to avoid a new conflict, but not at the cost of infringing on Russian interests,” the diplomat emphasized.

Appeal to history and a call for dialogue

During his online address, Ryabkov turned to the history of relations between Russia and European countries. According to him, Moscow never sought to conquer the West, but repeatedly faced invasions of its territory. “Russia did not start these wars; it ended them, sometimes in an enemy capital, taking upon itself responsibility for the postwar order,” the deputy minister noted, recalling the events of 1815 and 1945.

Expectation of a change of course by European capitals

The representative of the Russian foreign ministry expressed confidence that European capitals will sooner or later be forced to move to discussing a new system of international relations. In Ryabkov's view, such a conversation should be built on the principles of equal and indivisible security, pragmatism, and mutual consideration of interests. “One can only hope that the West's inevitable transition from rabid belligerence and cave-dwelling Russophobia to political prudence will not be paid for with new streams of blood,” the diplomat concluded.

Connection with previous Foreign Ministry statements

Ryabkov's statement continues the line previously outlined by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who, as Life.ru reported, predicted the European Union's inevitable return to dialogue on security. According to the minister, European countries will eventually be forced to join the discussion of a new architecture of cooperation in Eurasia, although building such a system remains a long-term task requiring a gradual convergence of positions. Thus, the two statements are consistent: Moscow signals its readiness for dialogue while simultaneously tying it to recognition of its interests by European partners, without offering any concrete steps or timelines — both sides remain at the level of declarations.