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Cutting ties with US possible, but not in Russia’s interests — senior diplomat

It was stressed that communication and dialogue between the countries are necessary, but if at a certain point the Americans think otherwise, "things will end with a breakup"

MOSCOW, November 17. /TASS/. The breakup of foreign policy relations between Russia and the US is not being ruled out, but it is not in Russia's interests, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told RTVI (Russian Television International) on Thursday.

"It depends entirely on the choice that is made in Washington. I don't rule anything out in advance, but of course this is not our desire and not our choice. We are pursuing our policy consistently, proactively, rather than reactively, including on the American track, guided solely and exclusively by our national interests," the senior diplomat said.

"It is in our interest not to break off diplomatic relations with the US," Ryabkov said when asked about the possibility of the full severance of relations between Russia and the United States.

Communication and dialogue between the countries are necessary, but if at a certain point the Americans think otherwise, "things will end with a breakup," he stressed.

"The level of Russophobia in the US is absolutely unprecedented in all sectors and branches of power and in the mainstream media. We feel this on a daily basis," Ryabkov said.

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Israel Defense Forces delivers more strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon

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Security concerns mount as radical Islamists flock to Southeast Asia

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Russian court arrests in absentia four foreign agents charged with terrorism

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