Russia has escalated tensions in Europe by warning that it could launch nuclear strikes against the United Kingdom and Germany if the war in Ukraine drags on for another two to three years. Kremlin adviser Sergey Karaganov speaking in an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson said Moscow is actively debating nuclear options against European targets and framed the conflict as a larger confrontation with the West not just Ukraine. Karaganov accused European leaders of political and economic weakness warning that any decisive defeat of Russia or an attempt on President Vladimir Putin’s life could trigger catastrophic consequences potentially including nuclear retaliation. The statements underscore rising fears of nuclear escalation amid an already deadly war which has drawn in global powers providing military and economic support to Kyiv. Analysts say the rhetoric is intended to intimidate Western governments and maintain a strategic deterrent while diplomatic efforts led by the United States to mediate a ceasefire or peace deal have yet to make progress. With Russian forces continuing operations in eastern Ukraine and Europe grappling with energy and economic pressures from the conflict Karaganov’s warnings have heightened anxiety over the fragile balance of global security and the risk of an unprecedented escalation in a conflict that now carries worldwide stakes.
