Russia: The growing involvement of the US and NATO in Ukraine risks leading to a direct military confrontation
The increasing involvement of the US and NATO in Ukraine risks leading to a direct military confrontation with “catastrophic consequences”, warned Russia on Thursday in Geneva in a speech boycotted by many Western diplomats. In a speech held during the Conference for Disarmament, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergei Ryabkov, denounced the countries that push for “escalation”. European, American, and British diplomats boycotted his speech, preferring to gather outside the hall around the Ukrainian ambassador, Yevhenia Filipenko. A show of solidarity, as there were many after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine last year. “The most serious strategic threat today comes from US and NATO policy aimed at further intensifying the conflict in Ukraine and the surrounding area”, accused the Russian diplomat.
“Their growing involvement in an armed confrontation risks leading to a direct military confrontation between the nuclear powers with catastrophic consequences,” Ryabkov also said, in a relatively empty hall, according to AFP. Diplomats from the countries allied to Ukraine, standing in front of a mural in the colors of Ukraine, displayed placards on which the message “StandWithUkraine” could be read. Ambassador Yevheniia Filipenko welcomed this “extraordinary solidarity with the Ukrainian people”, affirming that her country sees this as “a sign of Russia’s isolation”. “This way of gathering around her is a way of saying that our countries are united in refusing this war of aggression, refusing this invasion, and defending Ukraine’s right to its sovereignty, integrity, and freedom,” he told AFP French ambassador Jerome Bonnafont. His British counterpart, Simon Manley, assured that he will continue to show his support for Ukraine “until Russia withdraws its tanks” from the country. Last year at the same time, Western ambassadors also boycotted the speech — via videoconference — of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the Conference on Disarmament. Established in 1979, the Conference on Disarmament is not among the UN organizations but meets at the UN headquarters three times a year. Opening Monday’s session, US Undersecretary of State for Arms Control Bonnie Jenkins lamented Russia’s suspension of its participation in the New START Treaty on nuclear disarmament. Ryabkov responded on Thursday that Russia was “forced” to suspend its participation in the treaty in the context of the “total hybrid war” launched against his country by “the US, as well as other Western countries, including nuclear-armed states such as France and the UK”.
By Paul Bumman
