Russia Warns of 'Short Nuclear War' with Europe
Kremlin diplomat Sergei Lavrov accuses Western leaders of pushing Russia toward conflict and raises specter of 'Fourth Reich.'
Russia has stoked fears of a wider conflict, with its top diplomat suggesting Vladimir Putin could unleash a "short nuclear war" against Europe, as the Kremlin accused Western leaders of pushing Moscow toward conflict. The remarks from Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov followed his first meeting with Germany's Foreign Minister since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Lavrov alleged that European nations are preparing for war with Russia, citing significant investments in weapons production. He further claimed that some European elites might act on these accumulated weapons, potentially leading to an attack on Russia, which he suggested would result in a "short" and "completely different" war.
"It is Europe that is preparing for war with us," Lavrov told reporters in New York, according to reports. "They constantly reiterate that, by 2030 at the latest, we, the Europeans, must be ready for war."
He also accused Germany of seeking to establish a "Fourth Reich" and promote "Nazism" in Europe, referencing comments allegedly made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about Germany becoming Europe's leading military power. Lavrov suggested that such actions, along with the alleged erasure of historical narratives about the defeat of Nazism, mirrored past aggression.
These statements from Lavrov appear to contrast with previous assertions from President Putin that he had no intention of escalating the conflict across the continent. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that he met with Lavrov to ensure European voices remained in dialogue with Russia, not solely relying on American engagement, and demanded an end to Russia's hybrid attacks.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that intelligence suggests Russia may intend to expand its military activities to other countries. In recent overnight strikes, Russia has targeted Ukraine's data centers, disrupting television broadcasts and internet services. Explosions were reported in Kyiv, resulting in at least one fatality, with the office of a mobile operator being a specific target. Additionally, Russian strikes using guided aerial bombs on Sumy and Zaporizhzhia regions have resulted in casualties, including children. NATO forces were scrambled in Romania amid a drone threat near the Danube border with Ukraine.
