Russia’s Ryabkov says military conflict between Moscow and NATO not ruled out

If the United States expects to win the next arms race then Washington is mistaken, a senior Russian diplomat said in remarks published on Wednesday, adding that a military conflict between Moscow and NATO cannot be ruled out, Report informs via Reuters.

Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister in charge of ties with the US, non-proliferation and arms control, told the Izvestia daily that present circumstances were not “conducive” to arms talks with Washington.

Ryabkov reiterated Russia’s position that Moscow was not threatening a military conflict with NATO, but said a possible escalation depended on the action of the alliance.

“The onus is entirely on NATO’s side,” he said.