Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov: “We will do the most we can to prevent this catastrophic scenario. However, not everything depends on us in this case”

Sergey Ryabkov.
Photo: The International Affairs

The risk of a nuclear exchange does exist but Moscow will do everything possible to prevent it, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in an interview with TASS.

"We have said everything that needed to be said in terms of scenarios for the use of nuclear weapons; the president has made statements on the matter and it is also reflected in the updated foundations of Russia’s state policy in the field of nuclear deterrence. Saying that this risk is not there anymore would violate the truth. Unfortunately, such a risk does exist," he noted, commenting on a Science Times article about the possible outcome of a nuclear exchange between Russia and the US.

"We will do the most we can to prevent this catastrophic scenario," Ryabkov pointed out. "However, not everything depends on us in this case," he added.

"In the past, major research was carried out, many times, including by professionals, in order to assess potential consequences. Today, the situation is very difficult and tense," the Russian deputy foreign minister concluded.

Russia is considering a resumption of nuclear tests as the US pursues escalatory policies, Sergey Ryabkov said.

Asked whether Moscow could resume nuclear tests in response to US escalatory policies, he said, "There is this issue. I don’t want to portend anything but will simply say that the situation is quite complicated. It is under constant review in the entirety of all its elements and in all its aspects."

The US is seeking to use all opportunities to harm Russia, but it will not be able to prevent the accomplishment of the goals of the special military operation, Sergey Ryabkov said.

"I have the impression that life hasn’t taught any lessons to decision-makers in the White House, and they use all the opportunities that remain even for ‘lame ducks’ to harm us and prevent us from accomplishing the goals of the special military operation. But they will not succeed," he said.

The diplomat was responding to a request to comment on news reports that US President Joe Biden had asked Congress for an additional $24 billion in aid for Ukraine.

"First we need to study what really happened and how much and for what purposes was requested. All this causes indignation and rejection on our part," the diplomat said.

The United States’ actions against Russia undermine its own competitiveness, Sergey Ryabkov said.

"By the way, they [the Americans] have long been working to undermine the competitiveness of the European Union’s economies. As for this field (uranium supplies), their reckless and irresponsible policy will eventually undermine their own competitiveness. It’s their choice and we aren’t going to be upset about it," he noted.

According to Ryabkov, Washington’s policy causes harm to the United States. "Unfortunately, they don’t fully understand it," the senior Russian diplomat added.

There are countries interested in purchasing Russian uranium so Moscow will be able to ensure continued exports, Sergey Ryabkov said.

"There are customers that are very interested. The current price level makes it clear that our interests will not suffer," Ryabkov noted, commenting on Moscow’s move.

According to him, debates have been going on for a while about the need for Russia to stop supplying strategic goods to its opponents. "Some time ago, the Americans took steps that would eventually reduce Russian exports. However, we are confident that we will be able to ensure exports to other markets," Ryabkov added.

According to the Russian cabinet, the restrictions concern the export of enriched uranium to the US or its export under foreign trade agreements with entities registered in the jurisdiction of the United States. An exception was provided for supplies under one-time licenses issued by the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control. The move came in response to the restriction that Washington had imposed on Russian uranium imports for 2024-2027, and a future ban on imports starting in 2028.

Moscow intends to release the complete list of the BRICS group’s new partner states before the end of the year, Sergey Ryabkov said.

"We expect to publish the complete list of the countries that will become BRICS partners before Russia’s chairmanship ends at the end of the year. I cannot name these countries at this point because it will be at odds with the course of action that we agreed on with other BRICS members and have been pursuing since the Kazan Summit," he said in response to the question.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said following the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan that the list of the group’s partner states had been agreed on. However, the list wasn’t made public. The Russian leader explained that first, invitations would be sent to those countries and once they gave a positive response, the countries’ names would be announced.

Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates became members of the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) on January 1, 2024. Brazil will take over the BRICS chairmanship next year.

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