MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. Russia will never accept the blackmail and pressure tactics of its opponents, will not be the first to escalate tensions, and will take proactive measures where the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) is concerned to protect national security, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in an interview with the Rossiya-1 TV channel.
He also noted that the West has taken note of Russia's signal about withdrawing from the moratorium on the deployment of medium-and short-range missiles, which has had a sobering effect.
TASS has compiled the main statements made by the deputy foreign minister.
Russia will never accept the methods of blackmail and pressure used by its opponents: "We are responding to what our adversaries and opponents deem acceptable: attempts to pressure, blackmail, and dictate to Russia. We will never accept this."
Russia will act preemptively in the field of the INF Treaty to guarantee its security: "There are situations when it is necessary to act preemptively and anticipate certain steps a potential adversary may take. This will certainly continue to be done."
