russia’s new threats are an attempt to avoid diplomacy and conceal its own weakness
The russian regime has intensified its threats against Ukraine’s allies following another Ramstein meeting, new EU sanctions, and successful strikes on oil-refining infrastructure in moscow.
▫️ In particular, russian foreign ministry spokesperson maria zakharova promised a “harsh and devastating response” to “any NATO aggression against russian regions” and to the European Union’s new sanctions. russian foreign minister sergey lavrov claimed that “the current international situation carries the risk of a direct NATO-russia confrontation” and once again accused the West of allegedly preparing for war with russia. He also cynically stated that moscow would prefer to achieve the objectives of its so-called “special military operation” through diplomacy, which he claimed is being obstructed by the EU’s position.
The return to threats instead of genuine diplomacy once again demonstrates the kremlin’s unwillingness to engage in negotiations aimed at achieving peace. Lacking real military or economic instruments to alter the situation in its favor, moscow traditionally resorts to the only tool it has left — intimidation and blackmail.
Loud threats of a “devastating response” are merely an attempt to conceal russia’s own weakness, the vulnerability of its rear areas, and its fear of sustained, long-term Western defense support for Ukraine.
