Deputy Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergei Ryabkov stated that Moscow is weighing the option of scaling back diplomatic engagements with Western states as a response to continuing sanctions. The remark appeared on the news outlet’s website under the section labeled News. In his briefing, Ryabkov noted that such a move is under active consideration and that final decisions are being reviewed at the highest levels of government. He also cautioned that making premature predictions or conjectures about potential reductions could hinder practical diplomacy and undermine efforts to manage delicate international relations.
Ryabkov underscored the essential role played by embassies and diplomats, emphasizing that their work is demanding and cannot be neglected, especially given the current geopolitical climate. He urged that channels of communication remain open at all times, including at senior diplomatic levels, to avoid a breakdown in dialogue during tense periods.
In related statements, a representative of the Former Permanent Mission of Russia to the European Union suggested that the European Union is risking its own trade interests to advance Brussels’ ideological positions. This viewpoint echoes a broader pattern of friction between Moscow and Brussels amid ongoing sanctions and policy disputes.
Reports noted that Russia took retaliatory steps in response to EU measures by expanding the roster of EU officials barred from entering the Russian Federation. The ministry reminded readers that the EU countries had adopted the latest, fourteenth package of sanctions on June 24, signaling another phase in a prolonged standoff.
The sequence of exchanges underscores how Moscow has consistently responded to Western sanctions with calibrated diplomatic moves while insisting that constructive communication channels remain intact. Authorities point out that despite sanctions, practical diplomacy, including humanitarian and economic dialogue, should not be wholly suspended.
Observers emphasize that the situation is fluid, with both sides signaling openness to high-level discussions on occasion, even as punitive measures accumulate. Analysts suggest that the Russian stance aims to preserve leverage in international forums and protect national interests while avoiding a complete severance of diplomatic contact, which could complicate efforts to negotiate future settlements or manage conflicts.
Throughout this period, the Russian Foreign Ministry has reminded the international community that sanctions carry broad consequences, potentially affecting not only political temperatures but also ordinary people, business communities, and cross-border cooperation. The department has urged all parties to pursue pragmatic solutions that reduce tension without compromising national sovereignty.
Ultimately, the issue of diplomatic relations remains under careful review, with policymakers weighing strategic benefits and risks. The goal, as articulated by Moscow, is to maintain essential channels for dialogue, preserve ambassadorial duties, and prevent miscommunication during crises while responding firmly to unacceptable actions by Western capitals. The balance sought is one that protects Russia’s interests and fosters, even if gradually, a more predictable international environment. For now, the conversation continues behind closed doors, and public statements reflect a cautious but deliberate approach to a highly sensitive topic.