Russia's top diplomat emphasized in an interview that Moscow is not seeking a war with the United States but will utilize all means necessary to protect its interests. The diplomat highlighted concerns over the escalation of tensions, particularly regarding the involvement of American servicemen in providing longer-range missiles to Ukraine for potential strikes on Russian territory.
The recent testing of a new hypersonic intermediate range ballistic missile by Russia was portrayed as a signal to the West that Russia is prepared to take decisive actions to safeguard its objectives in Ukraine. The Russian President has underscored the country's readiness to respond to any attacks with advanced weaponry, including the capability to target key locations in Kyiv and military facilities of Ukraine's Western allies.
The hypersonic missile, known as Oreshnik, has been praised for its multiple warheads and high speed, making it difficult to intercept. The missile's range extends to cover all of Europe, posing a significant threat to potential targets.
Despite the strong rhetoric, Russia has expressed a desire to avoid a nuclear conflict with the United States and NATO allies. The diplomat cautioned against the notion of limited nuclear exchanges, emphasizing the catastrophic consequences such actions could trigger.
In outlining potential conditions for a peace agreement, Russia has reiterated demands for Ukraine to withdraw forces from annexed regions and abandon aspirations to join NATO. Additionally, securing the rights of Russian speakers in Ukraine has been highlighted as a key aspect of any potential peace deal.
Reflecting on past interactions, the diplomat offered insights on former U.S. President Donald Trump, characterizing him as a decisive individual focused on achieving results without delay.
