Also available in Persian — نسخه فارسی EN فا
❓ Unknown

Russian Defense Minister Says Moscow and Washington Are Neither Enemies Nor Allies

Feb 9, 2026 February 9, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov expressed that Moscow and Washington are neither enemies nor allies, highlighting a significant lack of trust between the two nations despite personal relationships with U.S. officials. This statement underscores ongoing tensions and the complex nature of U.S.-Russia relations.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Ivanov's remarks highlight the fragile state of U.S.-Russia relations, which could have ripple effects on international diplomacy and security.

👥 Key Players

Sergey Ivanov MENTIONED
Russian Defense Minister
"As a high-ranking official in Russia, Ivanov's statements reflect the Kremlin's stance on international relations, particularly with the U.S., which can impact global security dynamics."
U.S. Officials MENTIONED
Government representatives of the United States
"Their interactions and relations with Russia are crucial for international diplomacy and security, affecting various geopolitical issues, including those involving Iran."

📰 What Happened

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov stated that Russia and the U.S. are neither enemies nor allies, highlighting a significant lack of trust despite personal relationships with U.S. officials. He also reaffirmed Russia's view of nuclear weapons as a political deterrent.

  • Ivanov has personal relationships with U.S. officials but expresses distrust towards them.
  • Russia continues to view its nuclear arsenal as a key element of its defense strategy.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran may view the U.S.-Russia dynamic as an opportunity to navigate its own relations with both powers, especially in the context of its nuclear program and regional influence.
🌍 Regional: The lack of trust between the U.S. and Russia could lead to increased tensions in the Middle East, affecting regional security and alliances.
🌐 International: This statement underscores the complex and often adversarial nature of U.S.-Russia relations, which can impact global security policies and alliances.

📚 Background

U.S.-Russia relations have been historically complex, characterized by periods of cooperation and significant tension, particularly regarding military capabilities and geopolitical interests.

Nuclear deterrence U.S.-Iran relations
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
The source is a Russian state-affiliated publication, which may present the government's perspective and should be interpreted with caution regarding potential bias.

The Russian Defense Minister states that in his opinion, Moscow and Washington are neither enemies nor allies. Sergey Ivanov, in an interview with the Moscow-based newspaper Moskovskiy Komsomolets published on Monday, says that although he has personal and friendly relations with White House officials, the lack of trust between the two countries is still palpable. He adds that he does not trust what American officials say or promise, and he is sure they do not trust what he says either. In his interview, the Russian Defense Minister also emphasizes that Russia still considers nuclear weapons a political deterrent force.

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

📰 Related Coverage

⚖️ Independent Platform — Artesh.com is not affiliated with any government, military, or political organization. Editorial Policy →