Russia considers downgrading diplomatic relations with the West

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov warned that Moscow may be forced to downgrade diplomatic relations with Western countries due to hostile policies of the US and its allies.

“We have not yet initiated such a step, despite all the things associated with the most turbulent period in our relations with the West,” the diplomat said in an interview with the Izvestia newspaper published on June 27.

“Is a decision to downgrade diplomatic relations possible? I can say that we are considering this issue. Such decisions are made at the highest level,” Ryabkov said, adding that it was too early to “speculate.”

The West's "sense of impunity" on the world stage will eventually force Russia to retaliate more severely if the situation does not change, Russia's deputy foreign minister warned.

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Our opponents must know that with every step they take, they are moving closer to the point of no return.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov

Mr. Ryabkov accused Washington of assisting Ukrainian forces in selecting targets when using US-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles to attack Russian territory.

Last week, four people were killed when a cluster bomb dropped from a missile hit a crowded beach in Crimea, prompting Moscow to summon the US ambassador.

“It is a blatant case of direct US involvement in the conflict,” said diplomat Ryabkov.

Russian diplomats also said that arms shipments to Ukraine and attempts to seize Russian assets abroad undermine potential dialogue in other areas, such as arms control.

“They have to understand that it is simply not possible,” he stressed.

Also according to RT, in early June, Western countries supporting Ukraine renewed their commitment to continue supporting Kiev in its war with Moscow. Russia has repeatedly stated that no amount of foreign aid can stop its campaign in Ukraine and that providing weapons will only lead to further escalation.