Russia’s Lavrov warns west of ongoing nuclear war risks amid escalating rhetoric

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized the importance of reminding Western nations about the perils of nuclear conflict, asserting that Russia’s possession of nuclear weapons acts as a safeguard against security threats.

“Lavrov’s comments come amidst a surge in Moscow’s rhetoric surrounding its nuclear arsenal, a trend that gained momentum following Russia’s incursion into Ukraine last year”.

Amidst heightened tensions, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that Russia might resort to employing nuclear weapons should Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian troops succeed. Lavrov expounded on this stance, declaring that the possession of nuclear arms remains the only viable response to significant external threats to Russia’s security.

“Speaking in an interview with the state-owned magazine “The International Affairs,” Lavrov highlighted the necessity of preventing direct armed confrontation between nuclear powers, urging the continuous dissemination of clear signals to adversaries”.

“Western concerns have intensified, with NATO members and the US providing substantial military aid to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. US President Joe Biden has acknowledged the real threat of Russia employing tactical nuclear weapons, while NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that there have been no detected changes in Russia’s nuclear force posture. Consequently, NATO deems it unnecessary to modify its nuclear stance in response”.

“Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, recently asserted that he would activate the nuclear weapons stationed in his country in the event of external aggression. Lukashenko specifically identified Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia as potential aggressors, emphasizing an immediate and comprehensive response to any provocation”.

“Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War, based in Washington, DC, have assessed Russia’s mounting nuclear rhetoric as part of an “information operation.” According to the think tank’s evaluation earlier this year, Russia’s invocation of nuclear threats and doctrine aims to deter Ukraine and its Western supporters, rather than indicating an imminent intent to use nuclear weapons”.