Russia warns of “catastrophic consequences” in direct confrontation with West

A senior Russian official has warned that a direct confrontation between Russia and Western countries could lead to “catastrophic consequences,” amid ongoing tensions between Moscow and Western governments.

In an interview with Izvestia, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that what he described as growing militarisation across Western economies and societies is causing “justified concern” in Moscow. He argued that this trend is driven by what he called a “myth of the Russian threat.”

“Some narratives can be dispelled if sensible people correctly perceive the world around them as it objectively exists. But they can also transform into a ‘self-fulfilling prophecy,’” Ryabkov said, adding that Russia would prefer to avoid such an outcome.

He further warned that a “head-on collision” with Russia would be “inevitably fraught with catastrophic consequences for those who attempt to undermine our security in this way,” while suggesting that Western countries could alternatively choose to “cool things down.”

Ryabkov also commented on relations between Moscow and Washington, saying that dialogue is currently experiencing “some stagnation.” However, he noted that both sides intend to hold a new round of talks aimed at addressing what he described as “irritants” in bilateral relations, which he said should take place “before the end of summer.”

By Sabina Mammadli