Sanctions “masochism”
Anatoly Antonov aforementionedHe said existing problems in relations between Russia and the United States have “deep roots”. And it was the military special operation in Ukraine that “revealed all the contradictions that Washington had tried to cover up before”. The diplomat stressed that he only sees Washington’s desire to “aggravate the problems, make Russia more painful” by supplying arms to Kiev.
“There is only one tendency: to weaken Russia, to defeat it economically, politically and socially. Do not let Russia stand on its feet and play a key role in solving world problems. The role defined by the United Nations charter,” Antonov said.
According to him, “it is clear to any sane person today that anti-Russian sanctions have “pushed Americans into the abyss.” But US President Joe Biden’s administration is “dancing with pleasure and shooting himself in the foot with sanctions.”
“I think it’s a kind of masochism,” the ambassador said.
He is also sure that in the West they “repeat on every corner” that “Russia is to blame for everything” – this is either a “misunderstanding of the situation or a special campaign to look for an external enemy to blame”. all deadly sins.”
“Trust Shaken”
Antonov said the Russian-American political dialogue is at “an unprecedented low point”.
“Trust is broken. Cooperation is collapsing even on matters of obvious mutual interest. Communication between the parties is limited. And in many ways it is reduced to the discussion of technical issues. The interaction of the embassy with the US executive authorities on the American initiative is practically frozen. The State Department prefers to communicate only by phone or e-mail. “Conversations with White House representatives are extremely rare,” he said.
According to him, for now “episodic telephone conversations between defense ministers and chiefs of staff continue.”
“I believe this is extremely important to prevent a direct military conflict fraught with escalation, with unforeseen consequences,” the diplomat said.
He noted that Russia’s “absurd accusations” of “swinging the sword with nuclear weapons” and “nuclear blackmail” had begun. But the ambassador insists that the Russian Federation does not threaten anyone, he simply “warns of the dangerous consequences of Western intervention in the situation in Ukraine”.
“To date, there has been no dialogue between Russia and the United States on strategic security issues. This is not correct. We are two permanent members of the Security Council. We bear a special responsibility for peace and security,” Antonov added.
According to him, the effect of the agreement signed between Russia and the United States until 2026 on the mutual further reduction of deployed strategic nuclear arsenals (START-3) will “fly away” – and the countries will “have nothing”.
“On the Russian side, we are ready to have a serious, professional discussion with the Americans on this issue. This is in our interest. I am sure this is in the interest of the United States and the international community. But this is very important – we will not go after the Americans. “We need this work as much as the Americans,” he said.
If the US decides to supply long-range missiles to Ukraine, “the Russian side will take adequate steps to protect its territory from a possible attack,” he said.
Embassy activities
Antonov noted that he has not yet seen the desire of the Americans to close the Russian embassies.
“Of course never say never. But the current situation – what I’ve heard from the White House, the State Department – nevertheless shows that the remnants of reason remain there, and today the American side has not raised the issue of closing diplomatic missions in this way, “he said.
The Ambassador believes that the functioning of the Russian embassy in Washington and the Russian consulates in New York and Houston are essential. As well as the activities of the American diplomatic mission in Moscow.
He added that the release of Russians from American prisons is a key task for Russian diplomats today.
“I emphasize that it is the primary duty of our diplomats to get Russians out of American prisons, we will continue to ensure that not a single Russian citizen remains in American prisons,” the diplomat said.
invitation letter
“I recently received a letter in the mail to my address, condemning the actions of the president of Russia, asking me to renounce my homeland. If I do, I have been offered to contact the office of First Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman,” Antonov said.
According to him, the Russian diplomatic mission asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explain in writing “what this means”.
The ambassador added that at the embassy in Washington, they handed out cards belonging to the so-called FBI contacts and offered to meet with intelligence officers. The American media also publishes articles urging Russian soldiers and Russian diplomats to condemn the actions of the Russian authorities.
“I will emphasize that I most vehemently reject such a policy and such an attitude towards Russian diplomats,” Antonov said.