The potential delivery of US THAAD anti-ballistic missile systems to Ukraine will decrease the chances of finding a political solution to the crisis, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said, adding that Moscow urges to avoid any “stupidity” on the matter.
The diplomat stated that the Kremlin had taken American counter proposals on military drills and de-escalation seriously, but stressed that Russia wants to understand if Washington is ready for serious talks about the non-expansion of NATO. The negotiations on security guarantees depend on America’s readiness to discuss this issue, Ryabkov emphasized.
The official stated that if the White House is ready to begin substantive discussions on NATO’s non-expansion, then Moscow will accept US proposals on inspection of the alliance’s air defense bases in Romania.
Ryabkov also touched on the issue of US diplomats leaving Russia, pinning the blame for the mutual reduction of embassy staff on Washington.
The statement comes amid an unprecedented escalation of tensions between Moscow and the West over the crisis in Ukraine.
Source: Agencies
