Russia asserts it has resources to signal nuclear deterrence to the West

Underestimating Russia's potential nuclear weapon use could have 'fatal consequences,' warns deputy foreign minister.

Russia said Tuesday it has the resources to covey nuclear deterrence signals to the West.

“Taken together, I think we have a resource that allows us to do this so that the signal gets through even in the absence of the willingness of the other side to conduct a clear and sober dialogue, as was the case in the past,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov.

Speaking at the 10th Primakov Readings international summit which began in Moscow, Ryabkov argued that there is still the danger of the West making a mistake.

“It cannot be underestimated that one country can make this mistake. We will try to prevent it,” said Ryabkov, expressing that the risks of a direct armed conflict between nuclear powers are high.

Ryabkov said the West’s 'underestimation' of the possibility of Russia using nuclear weapons could have “tragic and fatal consequences.”

He went on to say that Moscow has come to the conclusion of needing to think about how to minimize the risks of a direct conflict between nuclear powers, and “professional conversations” on the topic should be continued.

“Unfortunately, according to the official line, our opponents (the West) are putting forward obviously unacceptable conditions for such a dialogue,” he said.

He also urged the international community to prevent the world from "sliding into nuclear chaos."