The Russian delegation at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva raised a stark warning to observers in Canada and the United States, describing the United States and NATO as the most significant threat to global stability due to what it called a proxy conflict against the Russian Federation. In remarks reported by TASS, the spokesperson for the delegation, Denis Zhuikov, framed the issue as a core safety challenge that spans continents and impacts planetary security. He outlined a view shared by many nations that the current strategic posture of Western alliance forces in Europe and beyond is fueling a broader confrontation that could have far-reaching consequences for all peoples, including those in North America.
According to Zhuikov, the most serious threat to peace and security arises from the United States and a nuclear-capable bloc led by NATO, a description he used to emphasize the potential for rapid escalation in a crisis. He cautioned that this dynamic carries the risk of a global nuclear showdown, especially if the conflict in Ukraine were to draw in additional powers allied with the United States and its partners. His assessment pointed to the possibility that the involvement of the United States, the United Kingdom, and France in Ukrainian hostilities could transform a regional dispute into a direct clash between nuclear-armed states, with devastating consequences for international security and civilian populations alike.
From Zhuikov’s perspective, the actions of Washington and its allies are framed as the primary catalyst for renewed tensions, with Ukraine serving as a stage where long-standing rivalries could magnify into a broader confrontation. The delegation underscored that these moves are contributing to a sustained atmosphere of risk that affects neighbouring regions, including Europe, and raises concerns among observers in North America who follow the situation closely. The emphasis was on the responsibility of major powers to exercise restraint and to pursue avenues for dialogue that can prevent miscalculation and misinterpretation in a time of heightened alertness among militaries and governments around the world.
Gennady Gatilov, a veteran diplomat who previously served as the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations Office in Geneva, reiterated a focus on dialogue and practical steps toward arms control. The statements suggest a recognition that Moscow remains open to renewed discussions and negotiations with Washington on the future framework for arms control and risk reduction. In the Canadian and American policy communities, these remarks are often interpreted as part of a broader push to clarify positions, establish verifiable commitments, and reduce uncertainties that can derail efforts to prevent an arms race or an accidental confrontation. The message conveyed highlights the belief that a constructive path forward exists, provided there is political will and consistent engagement from all sides to address core security concerns, verify compliance, and maintain channels of communication even amid disagreement.