Russia Warns of "Short Nuclear War" Amid Escalating Tensions

Russia has amplified fears of a wider conflict, with a top diplomat suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin could destroy Europe in a "short nuclear war." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Western leaders of driving Moscow toward conflict and warned that a Third World War could become a "self-fulfilling prophecy."

Speaking at the UN in New York, Lavrov alleged that Europe is actively preparing for war with Russia, citing significant investments in weapons production. "At some point, some adventurer, and there are many of them in these elites, will say, 'Guys, we've accumulated so much, what do we do with it?….' Oh, we promised to attack Russia," he stated, implying a potential escalation.

Lavrov also accused Germany of seeking to establish a "Fourth Reich" and promote "Nazism" in Europe. These remarks followed his first meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Lavrov claimed that European countries are attempting to erase the memory of those who defeated Nazism and are removing monuments dedicated to them.

He further suggested that if Russia were attacked, the ensuing conflict would be "completely different" and "short," implying the potential use of nuclear weapons. These warnings appear to contrast with Putin's earlier statements that he had no intention of initiating a war on the continent.

German Foreign Minister Wadephul stated that his conversation with Lavrov was intended to prevent a complete handover of dialogue with Russia to the United States. Wadephul demanded an end to Russia's "hybrid attacks."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned that intelligence services have information indicating Russia's intent to expand its operations to other countries. Russia has continued its strikes within Ukraine, targeting mobile service servers and logistic hubs. Overnight attacks in Kyiv resulted in at least one fatality, with the office of mobile operator Vodafone reportedly targeted.

In the Sumy region of Ukraine, Russian army strikes using guided aerial bombs killed two people and injured 28 others, including children. Additionally, three people were killed and at least four injured in Zaporizhzhia region due to Russian strikes.

NATO fighter jets and a helicopter were scrambled in Romania following a threat from Russian drones near the Danube River border with Ukraine.