Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the hybrid war directed at Russia is growing in scale and sophistication, and warned that the United States often acts without fully weighing the repercussions of its choices. He made these remarks during the discussion titled “A world without START: what’s next?” hosted by the Valdai International Discussion Club, where senior diplomats and analysts gather to unpack security issues in the current international environment. He emphasized that hybrid warfare now operates with greater reach and more complex methods, describing it as a form of conflict conducted without adequate consideration of its spillover effects. The statement underlines a belief that the conflict extends beyond traditional domains and involves a broad coalition of countries, with Russia positioned as a key adversary in this evolving strategic contest, while still engaging with international interlocutors in high-stakes dialogue. (Valdai International Discussion Club)
Ryabkov further argued that the nature of this hybrid confrontation is not limited to a single sphere but traverses political, economic, and informational fronts. He argued that the measures seen in practice are often reckless, and that the United States and its allied groups conduct operations aimed at shaping outcomes abroad without a clear assessment of the possible consequences for regional and global stability. The diplomat’s comments reflect a widely held view within Moscow that Western actions are aimed at pressuring Russia on multiple fronts, including security alignments, arms controls, and strategic messaging, while Russian authorities portray such efforts as provocative and destabilizing. (Valdai International Discussion Club)
The dialogue touched on potential responses to these tensions, including the way forward for arms control in a post-SSTART era. In discussing the possibility of renewed agreements or alternative mechanisms, Ryabkov suggested that strategic dialogues remain essential, even as parties reassess what measures are feasible and effective in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. He mentioned that any future arrangements would need to reflect current realities and the concerns of major powers, and stressed that practical verification, predictable behavior, and transparent communication would be central to restoring a workable framework. The comments echo concerns about how far bilateral cooperation can proceed given mutual distrust and competing security interests. (Valdai International Discussion Club)
Additionally, Ryabkov noted what he described as ongoing confrontational actions by the United States in nearly every domain relevant to Russia’s national interests. He did not shy away from characterizing certain policies as hostile, arguing that these measures complicate diplomatic engagement and raise the stakes for crisis management between Moscow and Washington. The deputy minister’s assessment reflects a broader narrative that portrays Western policy as pursuing pressure campaigns rather than cooperative risk reduction, with implications for regional security dynamics in Europe and beyond. (Valdai International Discussion Club)
In closing, the deputy minister reflected on the broader strategic takeaway: with START and related arms control tools in flux, it is crucial for all sides to pursue channels that reduce miscalculation and prevent unintended escalation. He asserted that Russia seeks a realistic, stabilizing security architecture that can accommodate new technological and strategic realities while guarding its own interests and those of allied nations. The discussion underscored the importance of sustained dialogue, measured moves, and a willingness to rethink old arrangements in light of new strategic realities. (Valdai International Discussion Club)