American intelligence has called Russia a significant competitor to the United States

Russia is a serious competitor for the United States, with high military and economic stability. This assessment of the Russian Federation was given by the United States intelligence community in an annual report presented on March 25.

"Russia's nuclear potential and conventional capabilities, along with its demonstrated economic and military resilience, make it a significant rival," Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said during a presentation to the U.S. Senate, which was broadcast on the ABC News YouTube channel.

It is noted that Moscow has superior nuclear power to other countries. According to the US intelligence community, the potential use of Russian nuclear weapons could lead to catastrophic destruction in the United States. At the same time, the intelligence service recalled that in 2024, the Russian authorities revised the country's nuclear doctrine in favor of expanding the conditions for the use of these weapons.

In addition to Russia's individual power, Washington also noted its close relations with partner states.

"Since 2022, China, Russia, Iran and North Korea have become closer. Excluding the accelerating factor in the form of the conflict in Ukraine is unlikely to return these bilateral relations to the level of 2021," Gabbard said.

Half-day workers: Russia and the USA held a 12-hour round of consultations

What did Moscow and Washington come to at the next talks in Riyadh

Earlier, on March 14, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Russia a strong nuclear power, which is admired by people like US President Donald Trump. In his opinion, Western countries need to take into account Moscow's point of view in their policies.