Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the likelihood of an armed conflict between Russia and the United States depended on Washington's further actions. Moscow warned that US attempts to "test Russia's strength" could lead to much harsher responses than those used previously.

In his statement, Ryabkov noted that the Russian side takes seriously the growing escalation in relations with the United States and the West in general. According to him, Moscow is not looking for a conflict, but does not intend to put up with provocations and aggressive policies on the part of Washington. He emphasized that further deterioration of the situation could lead to unpredictable consequences if the United States does not reconsider its policy towards Russia.