Ryabkov pointed out the West's mistake in assessing Russia's determination to defend its interests.

Western countries have made a strategic mistake by ignoring Russia's determination to defend its interests, as well as by denying the obvious that a nuclear power cannot be defeated strategically. This was announced on November 22 by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

According to the diplomat, there are no such strong ideological and conceptual lines of disagreement between Brussels and Washington, and their policies simply represent two sides of the same coin.

"Both on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean and here in Europe, those who make policy, shape it, and define it are deeply convinced of the civilizational superiority of their own model and path. There may be nuances, some basic adjustments are possible, but this is at the tactical level," Ryabkov said in an interview with the International Life magazine.

The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that there is no reason to exaggerate any differences. However, Russia is now dealing with its very serious historical Western opponent.

"They set out to inflict a strategic defeat on the Russian Federation, by and large denying the obvious that it is strategically impossible to defeat a nuclear power, and by and large neglecting our determination to act as vigorously as possible in defense of our own interests. But this is their strategic mistake," Ryabkov stressed.

He also suggested that in the end, the West will only have to admit that further relations with Russia need a different basis for coexistence. As a result, their policy is being transformed into a new stage of development.

Strategic Culture magazine reported on November 13 that the West, whose sanctions are unable to end the conflict in Ukraine, needs to reconsider its position towards Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on November 9 that the end of the Ukrainian conflict is impossible without eliminating its causes and taking into account Russian interests.

Ryabkov, in turn, pointed out on October 22 that the policy of the NATO countries creates serious risks of a direct clash between the nuclear powers and hinders a constructive dialogue on disarmament. The deputy minister noted that the West continues to implement destabilizing programs, including the development of joint nuclear mission schemes, the expansion of the US nuclear presence in Europe and the creation of a global missile defense system.

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