On December 22, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Riabkov announced a new proposal to legally affirm Russia’s non‑attack stance toward the EU and NATO amid escalating Western tensions and controversial intelligence reports.
Deputy Foreign Minister on Russia’s “Measured” Response to NATO
On Monday, December 22, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Riabkov addressed the reaction of Russian authorities to Western actions. In Kremlin propaganda language, he said Russia is “provoked” by NATO. He added, “In response to the belligerent and provocative steps taken by NATO states, on the one hand we have shown considerable restraint, and on the other we have consistently sent our opponents clear warning signals about the strategic risk they pose. We have not abandoned unwavering engagement in the hard defense of our national security interests,” according to RIA Novosti.
Legal Pact Proposes Non‑Attack Stance Toward EU and NATO
Riabkov also presented a proposal to Western states. He declared that Russia is ready to confirm in a legal contract that it has no intention to attack either the European Union or NATO member states. He described NATO as a “military alliance under United States leadership.”
Reuters Reports Russia’s Goal to Regain Soviet‑Era Europe
Reuters stated that Russia wants to occupy all of Ukraine and regain part of Europe that belonged to the Soviet bloc, including NATO countries. The agency cited information allegedly from American services. On December 20, US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard responded on X, claiming that “war zealots with the deep state and their media propaganda again try to undermine President Trump’s efforts to bring peace in Ukraine and Europe.” She added that they falsely claim the American intelligence community backs the EU/NATO position that Russia intends to invade or occupy Europe, whereas “American intelligence assesses that Russia does not have the capacity to conquer or occupy Ukraine, let alone to invade and occupy Europe.”
US Intelligence Director Counterclaims Reuters Story
Gabbard further said Reuters operates “on behalf of war agitators” and “foments hysteria and fear among people to push them to support escalation of war.” She added that NATO and the European Union want “to drag American troops into a war with Russia.”
Kremlin Envoy Criticizes Western Media Narrative
In reply, Kremlin envoy Kiryil Dmitriev, involved in Ukraine negotiations, wrote that a heavily funded, well‑organized media campaign inciting war undermines President Trump’s peace plan. He alleged that British and European politicians push for “going to war with Russia,” divert attention from migration missteps, and profit from weapon sales through “friendly” contractors.