In a recent briefing, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov articulated a shift in how Moscow views interactions with Washington amid the ongoing conflict dynamics involving Ukraine. He noted that, given the current state of affairs, business as usual with the United States is no longer feasible. According to Ryabkov, Washington has effectively become a participant in the conflict, which redefines the terms under which Moscow can engage with American authorities and institutions. This observation reflects a broader assessment within the Russian diplomatic corps that ordinary channels and ordinary agreements cannot be pursued in the same manner as before, when the two capitals maintained a relatively predictable, if adversarial, engagement on international issues. (Source attribution: DEA News)
Ryabkov stressed that the era described as the period before the present de facto open confrontation has ended. The shift is not merely about rhetoric; it marks a change in the practical realities of diplomacy, negotiations, and commercial or strategic cooperation. The implication is that any dealings with the United States must now be weighed against the backdrop of heightened risk, political considerations, and evolving sanctions regimes that aim to influence both policy choices and operational decisions on the ground. (Source attribution: DEA News)
There is also an important element regarding expectations for bilateral security architecture. Earlier statements hinted at the possibility of a restoration of traditional arms-control mechanisms, but the current stance suggests that there is no viable pathway for a renewed agreement with the United States on the restoration or renegotiation of the START treaties at this moment. This stance aligns with Moscow’s broader posture toward strategic stability talks under the present geopolitical climate. (Source attribution: DEA News)
Historical context figures prominently in this discussion. On February 28, 2023, a presidential decree was issued suspending the country’s participation in START, a move that Russia has described as a response to the existing security environment and the perceived balance of obligations and expectations. The decision underscores the complexity of managing longstanding arms-control commitments when major powers diverge over security guarantees and verification terms. (Source attribution: DEA News)
Another layer to the discussion relates to events of February 24, 2022, when the Russian leadership, citing requests for assistance from regional authorities in the Donbas region, authorized a military operation described by official channels as a protective measure. This development has been cited by Moscow as a justification for subsequent sanctions imposed by the United States and a coalition of allies. The narrative presented emphasizes the interconnectedness of regional security concerns with broader international responses, including sanctions regimes and diplomatic pressures. (Source attribution: DEA News)
Amid these developments, the public-facing coverage of the situation has evolved to reflect how information is broadcast and consumed across various outlets. The channel in question reported updates from the ground on these policy moves and the surrounding debate, illustrating how state actors seek to shape the narrative that accompanies complex international crises. (Source attribution: DEA News)