Ryabkov: Persuasion was not successful, we will deploy the INF closer to the United States

Sergey Ryabkov. Photo: Alexey Vitvitsky / RIA Novosti
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The issue of deploying intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles (INF) depends on US decisions, Russia does not rule out that missiles may appear in the Asia-Pacific region. This was announced today, November 25, by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

"Of course, this is one of the options that has also been repeatedly mentioned. The emergence of appropriate American systems in any region of the world will determine our next steps, including in the field of organizing our military and technical response," he told reporters.

According to Ryabkov, the opponents of Russia and their satellites "should not have a false sense of security."

"The time has come when persuasion, some arguments, of course, can be applied further, but practice shows that they do not have the proper effect, therefore more potent means are needed, including the deployment of such systems, from where they can hit the appropriate targets and act as a compensating measure," the diplomat said.

He also stressed that the United States is solely to blame for the current situation.

"The entire responsibility for what is happening lies with the United States, and any escalation scenarios, if they begin to materialize, will be a direct consequence of the reckless and, calling a spade a spade, inhuman policy pursued by Washington and leading European countries that completely condone any of the most ephemeral ambitions and the most criminal intentions of Kiev,— he said, responding to the relevant question. — The President [Vladimir Putin] said what he said. The issue of placement is exhaustively reflected in his application. As before, what is happening depends entirely on the choice that our opponents will make at this extremely alarming and very dangerous moment, and on the line they will pursue."

As reported by EADaily, the Oreshnik system is capable of hitting targets throughout Europe, which distinguishes it from other types of long-range precision weapons. This was stated at a meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, representatives of the military-industrial complex and developers of missile systems, which was held by Russian President Vladimir Putin, commander of the Strategic Missile Forces Sergey Karakaev.