Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Tuesday asserted that Moscow does not threaten to use nuclear weapons and criticized the United States and its allies for what he described as active nuclear rhetoric. The interview with RIA Novosti reinforced Moscow’s position that it does not employ threats to unleash nuclear force against others.
Ryabkov explained that amid the turmoil surrounding Ukraine, Washington and its partners have heightened their nuclear rhetoric and seek to portray Russia as ready to deploy weapons of mass destruction. He emphasized that Russia maintains a policy of deterrence rather than threat and that any decision would be based on credible information about launches against Russia or its allies, or in response to an attack using nuclear or other mass destruction weapons.
The deputy foreign minister outlined that Russia would consider employing atomic weapons if reliable indicators showed a ballistic missile attack against Russia or its allies were imminent, or if a nuclear or mass destruction strike threatened the country. He added that Russia would also respond with such weapons if conventional strikes caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, hindering the movement of Russian nuclear forces or posing an existential risk to the state.
At the same time, Ryabkov warned the United States and its allies about the risk of an uncontrolled escalation around the Ukraine crisis. He insisted that a direct confrontation with the United States and NATO would not serve Russia’s interests and urged Washington and Western capitals to recognize the danger of an uncontrollable spiral downward in the conflict.
Ryabkov noted Moscow’s concern over ongoing military assistance to Ukraine and described it as contributing to what he views as a campaign by some Western officials to inflict defeat on the battlefield. He cautioned that Russia would be prepared to take appropriate countermeasures to protect its security interests, including asymmetric options if necessary, to deter aggression and safeguard regional stability.
The remarks reflect Moscow’s stance on nuclear doctrine and the broader strategic calculus amid intensified Western rhetoric and a protracted regional crisis. They underscore the focus on deterrence, risk management, and the potential consequences of miscalculation in a high tension environment, as Moscow seeks to communicate its red lines and the conditions under which it might consider extreme options.
Observers say the exchange highlights the persistent fear of escalation in international security circles and the delicate balance nations must maintain between signaling resolve and avoiding unintended consequences. The dialogue between Russian officials and Western counterparts continues to shape assessments of strategic stability and the evolving risk landscape in Europe and beyond.
Ultimately, officials in Moscow underscore a restraint-based approach while warning of the possible repercussions if perceived threats escalate unchecked. The discussion remains central to ongoing debates about nuclear doctrine, alliance dynamics, and the broader security architecture shaping the region today. Attribution for the central statements traces to the official remarks reported by RIA Novosti and subsequent briefings from Moscow’s foreign affairs authorities.