According to Dmitry Polyansky, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), NATO’s current actions provide no reason for Russia to expect that a new devastating war in Europe will be avoided. This warning was issued on May 21 as part of his statement before the OSCE.
Polyansky emphasized that while an alternative to military confrontation between Russia and NATO exists, the alliance must demonstrate common sense and willingness to correct its mistakes. “There is no reason to expect that we will wait for such steps and at least some kind of prudence from your side,” Polyansky told TASS, referring to European nations. “You are not giving it to us yet.”
He noted that Russia’s openness and calls for dialogue are perceived as weakness by NATO partners, prompting new sanctions and arms supplies. Polyansky further stated that military activity by NATO countries near Russian borders has reached levels comparable to the Cold War.
The escalation extends to the Arctic region, where tensions are intensifying. On May 5, Russian Ambassador to Norway Nikolai Korchunov warned that NATO’s actions targeting Russia’s strategic capabilities on the Kola Peninsula could threaten a direct clash. He stressed that such escalations undermine security in the Arctic and global stability.
Separately, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, stated on April 30 that Russia has no aggressive intentions toward European countries but noted that rhetoric about potential conflict with Russia is intensifying across Europe.
