Days after Moscow warns NATO of nuclear attack, Russian strategist warns there will be ‘little left’ of Europe amid World War III threat

Days after Russia warned NATO of a possible nuclear response if Kaliningrad is cut off, a prominent Russian foreign policy strategist Sergei Karaganov has issued another dire warning. Sergei Karaganov has said that Moscow will 'go nuclear' and leave 'little left' of some European countries if they continue backing Ukraine, according to a report in The Daily Mail. He warned that Russia would initially use conventional weapons, but would resort to nuclear attacks if Europe refused to surrender.

"If they continue this war, a European war with American help, against Russia, on Ukrainian territory, sooner or later we'll feel the need to escalate," Karaganov told the BBC. His threats come at a time when Moscow has demanded that European countries should cut the military and financial support helping Kyiv resist Russia's full-scale invasion.

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"According to my scenarios, the first series of blows will be conventional. But if Europe does not surrender, unfortunately, we will have to go nuclear. There will be little left of some European countries." "No, there will be no response from Europe,' he said. 'What, Britain will attack Russia with nuclear weapons? I hope you're not that crazy. I'm sure the Americans are not that crazy."

Karaganov acknowledged that Russia had lost many people during the war, but criticised his government for failing to act harshly enough. He said Moscow was now stepping up its attacks and destroying Ukraine's ability to function as a viable state.

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Russia warns NATO of attack

The comments of Sergei Karaganov came after Russia on Wednesday warned Nato it was prepared to resort to nuclear weapons if the Western alliance attempted to cut off Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea. Moscow accused the alliance of a 'dangerous and reckless course' that entailed 'high risks of the outbreak of a direct armed conflict', Reuters reported after viewing the document sent to NATO.

'Russia will be ready to use the entire arsenal of forces and capabilities at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, in order to defend its territory should NATO countries undertake any attempt aimed at isolating the Kaliningrad Region from the rest of the country,' the diplomatic note said.

The embassies in the UK and Ireland posted their statements on their Telegram channels, and the embassy in Belgium released it to the Tass news agency.

The statements accused European leaders of “playing a dangerous game” by warning that Russia might attack another country or ramp up a campaign of destabilizing attacks in Europe using drones and sabotage. Moscow has called the allegations absurd.

“There should be no mistake — Russia would be ready to use all its arsenal, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory if NATO countries try to isolate Kaliningrad region from the rest of the country,” the Russian Embassy in Ireland said in its statement on Tuesday.

NATO slams ‘irresponsible’ nuclear rhetoric

NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed on Wednesday that Russia had sent a written message to the U.S.-led military alliance. “We strongly denounce the threat of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric,” she said.

Hart said NATO is not targeting Kaliningrad and had sent a reply, “noting that NATO is a defensive alliance and none of our activities or exercises pose a risk to any part of Russia.”

The Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad is surrounded by NATO members Poland and Lithuania. It is home to Russia’s main Baltic navy base and other military assets, including nuclear-capable Iskander missiles.

Western military officers have said key military installations in Kaliningrad would likely be a first target if Russia attacked a NATO ally.

NATO allies have conducted military exercises in the Baltic Sea region in recent months, with more planned in October. It launched Operation Baltic Sentry last year to protect communication cables and pipelines.

Europeans warn Russia could strike another country

Asked about Russia’s warning, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov pointed to “rampant statements” from Poland and other European nations regarding Kaliningrad.

“It’s only natural that our diplomats are trying to remind the hotheads in Europe about our policy documents regarding this matter,” Peskov said.

European leaders and intelligence services have warned that Russia is ramping up its hybrid campaign and could be ready to strike another country within a few years, especially if it wins its war on Ukraine.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the rising number of incidents shows that Russian President Vladimir Putin is losing the war and that the best response is to give more weapons to Kyiv.

“Russia’s use of hybrid tactics is a sign of desperation,” Hart said. “But we will not be dissuaded from our support to Ukraine. We have what it takes to defend every inch of Allied territory and remain strong, ready, and able to counter any threat.”

(With agency inputs)