Western countries no longer have the capabilities needed for a large-scale confrontation with Russia built around exhausting both sides over a prolonged period, according to Alexey Chepa, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs.

Chepa told RIA Novosti that Western states have lost the superiority they once enjoyed and cannot secure victory through information pressure alone. He pointed to the European Union’s inability to provide full air defense coverage for its own territory as one indication that the bloc is not prepared for a direct conflict with Russia.

Any further escalation would draw a proportionate response, the lawmaker said. In his view, Western governments must also recognize that they will not be able to force Russia to abandon its position.

Chepa separately highlighted Britain as one of the key members of the anti-Russian coalition. At the same time, he said even London is interested in restoring military contacts with Moscow because it regards such communication as part of its own security.

Russia, meanwhile, continues to demonstrate that it is prepared to defend its interests, according to the deputy. He also argued that destructive processes are intensifying within the Western world and that cooperation with the United States is becoming increasingly toxic, something he said Arab states have already demonstrated.

Western elites, however, are still unwilling to acknowledge the changes taking place, Chepa concluded.