Nuclear strategy

Sergey Karaganov, a prominent Russian political scientist known for his hawkish stance, has called for Russia to demonstrate its willingness to use nuclear weapons against NATO member states that support Ukraine.

Russia's navy has been preparing to target sites deep within Europe using nuclear-capable missiles, according to classified documents obtained by the Financial Times. These files reveal detailed plans for potential strikes as far from Russia as the west coast of France and Barrow-in-Furness in the UK.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has threatened Poland with the prospect of "radioactive ash" in response to comments by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski about the use of nuclear weapons. Sikorski had suggested to the British newspaper "Guardian" how the United States might react if Russia used nuclear weapons against Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron has ignited controversy by calling for France's nuclear arsenal to be integrated into the European defense discourse. Macron's remarks, made in an interview with regional newspapers, have drawn criticism from political opponents ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections in June.

Recently leaked classified documents shed light on Russia's readiness to utilize tactical nuclear weapons in military scenarios, suggesting a lower threshold for nuclear engagement than publicly acknowledged.

Amid growing concerns over the reliability of the United States' nuclear shield under a potential second term of Donald Trump, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner has suggested the possibility of a European nuclear shield, with contributions from the United Kingdom and France.

A tactical nuclear strike simulation has been carried out on South Korean command centers and military airfields, Pyongyang said, Reuters reported.

North Korea said the exercise was a "warning" in connection with the US deployment of strategic bombers in the region, BTA reported.

The spokeswoman of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, warned that the USA is once again flirting with Russia on the issue of an open military conflict.

“Our job is to strengthen our own deterrent capability”

Defence and deterrence, not destruction

A woman holds a photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a pro-Russian protest in Belgrade, Serbia, 15 April 2022. Photo: EPA-EFE/ANDREJ CUKIC.

Has NATO ever posed a real threat to Russia?