Russia has warned it will employ “even stronger military means” against Ukraine if the U.S. and its allies continue applying pressure, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated in an exclusive interview with CNN on Wednesday.
“Risks are high and growing, which is deeply concerning,” Ryabkov said, adding that the current geopolitical tensions surpass those of the Cold War era. He criticized the West, particularly the U.S., for underestimating Russia’s resolve to defend its core national security interests, describing the situation as lacking common sense and restraint.
The warning comes as the Biden administration announced a $725 million security assistance package for Ukraine, part of nearly $7 billion authorized by Congress to bolster Kyiv’s defense before President Biden leaves office in two months. The aid aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position as Russia intensifies its attacks.
Ryabkov cautioned against underestimating the risk of escalation, attributing it to decisions in Washington.
“There will come a moment when we see no other choice but to resort to stronger military means,” he said, while noting that any escalation would not happen immediately but is part of an emerging trend.
Referring to the outgoing U.S. administration, Ryabkov stated Russia would respond firmly to provocations and would find ways to assert its will. He also mentioned the nuclear-capable “Oreshnik” ballistic missile, recently deployed in attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure, clarifying that it is an intermediate-range missile tested in combat.
On peace talks, Ryabkov was pessimistic, stating that the positions of Russia and Ukraine remain incompatible. “Chances for a compromise at the moment are zero,” he said, emphasizing that any progress would require Kyiv to abandon its current demands.
He also dismissed claims of direct contact with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump or his team regarding Trump’s prior comments about resolving the war in a single day.
Ryabkov stated, “We will engage when they come with ideas—but not at the expense of our national interests.”
