Russia’s Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, has argued that Washington’s posture signals a push toward a strategic setback for Russia rather than a sincere pursuit of peace. In numerous interviews and published remarks, he contends that Washington uses its influence to steer Western partners, including G7 members, to adopt a united line that aligns with American interests in the Ukraine crisis. The remarks suggest a hardening stance from the United States, marked by a readiness to authorize aggressive actions and to reframe military support as essential for Kyiv’s defense.
According to Antonov, the United States has effectively brought the wider G7 into a coordinated strategy that prioritizes pressure on Moscow. He points to two contentious developments: first, the alleged unconditional support for strikes on Crimea using Western weaponry, and second, ongoing discussions about introducing F-16 jets to Ukrainian forces. He views these moves as clear indicators of Washington’s intent to sustain and escalate hostilities, rather than to seek a negotiated settlement that could stabilize the region.
Antonov argues that these choices underscore a long-standing pattern, dating back to the upheaval in Kiev in 2014, in which the United States has pursued Russia’s strategic defeat. He asserts that this approach continues to fuel the conflict rather than resolve it, portraying Moscow as acting in defense of its national interests against what he describes as a relentless campaign to erode Russia’s security and influence across the region.
In his view, the readiness to broaden military operations against Crimea must be treated with seriousness. He warns that any airstrikes against the peninsula would be interpreted by Moscow as attacks against Russia itself, requiring an appropriate and decisive response. The message is that Washington should fully recognize the consequences of such an action and the legitimate security considerations that accompany Russian measures in the aftermath.
The broader narrative notes that American F-16 aircraft have reportedly been dispatched to support Kyiv. The deployment is framed as part of a broader effort to accelerate NATO-standardization of Ukraine’s air defense and air force capabilities, a move that Antonov says further entrenches Western involvement in the conflict and increases the risk of a protracted confrontation rather than a quick resolution.