Russia is being called upon to clearly indicate its readiness to use nuclear weapons against countries that support Ukraine. A former Kremlin adviser claims that Russia can launch an attack on a NATO country without triggering Armageddon.
Sergei Karaganov, the head of Russia’s Council for Foreign and Defense Policy, made the bold statement to the Kommersant newspaper as he urged President Vladimir Putin to take a more assertive nuclear stance toward the West.
Karaganov suggested in Wednesday’s interview that Moscow should consider a limited nuclear strike on a NATO country to signal its readiness to escalate the situation if necessary, without provoking a full-scale conflict.
He said the main goal of Russia’s nuclear doctrine “should be to ensure that all current and future enemies are convinced that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons.”
The foreign policy adviser said Russia’s current nuclear doctrine, adopted in 2020 and which only allows for nuclear retaliation in the event of a nuclear attack or an existential threat, is inadequate.
Russia is being encouraged to demonstrate its willingness to use nuclear weapons in response to a major attack or occupation of its territory, as a means of deterrence. Pictured: Russia’s deadly hypersonic 208-ton 15,880 ‘Satan-2’ intercontinental ballistic missile
The current Russian nuclear doctrine, adopted in 2020, only allows for nuclear retaliation in the event of a nuclear attack or an existential threat. Pictured: A Russian BTR-82A armored personnel carrier and Yars intercontinental ballistic missile systems
Vladimir Putin has previously expressed hope that a nuclear exchange with the West will never take place
The doctrine clearly states that preemptive nuclear strikes are prohibited, but Karaganov stressed that this approach effectively deprives Russian military and foreign policy of nuclear deterrence.
He criticized the approach as “irresponsible and even suicidal,” saying it fails to deter opponents and could lead to “the downfall and possibly even the collapse of Russia if not revised.”
According to Karaganov, Russia should use its right to bear arms in response to a major attack or occupation of its territory, as a deterrent.
“We have allowed the situation to deteriorate to the point where our adversaries are convinced that we will not use nuclear weapons under any circumstances,” Karaganov said.
He insisted that Russia must use any large-scale attack on its territory as justification for a nuclear response, and stressed that Moscow’s next doctrine should include clear steps for “nuclear escalation.”
He is convinced that this would remove all doubts about Russia’s willingness to deploy its nuclear arsenal.
“It is high time that we establish that in the event of a large-scale attack on our territory, we have the right to respond with a nuclear strike,” he said.
“It is time to declare that we have the right to respond to any massive attack on our territory with a nuclear attack. This also applies to any seizure of our territory,” he added.
In the interview, Kommersant journalist Elena Chernenko asked Karaganov how he could be sure that the policies he advocated would not lead to all-out nuclear war.
“The claim that any limited use of nuclear weapons will necessarily lead to general nuclear Armageddon does not stand up to scrutiny,” he said.
‘I assure you that all nuclear powers have plans for the calibrated use of nuclear weapons under certain scenarios.’
Karaganov added: ‘I am not calling for a dangerous path, I am calling for saving the world and Russia. Either we win this war, or we fall apart.
‘The West can fight endlessly, this war is very favorable for it. And I am not calling for a nuclear war at all, I would very much like to not let it get that far, but to stop before I have to make a terrible choice.’
The statements come just weeks after Ukraine captured part of the Russian region of Kursk, which Moscow is still trying to regain, and as Kiev asks Western allies for permission to deploy long-range missiles for strikes deep into Russian territory.
Karaganov also warned that failure to strengthen Russia’s nuclear deterrent could lead to a series of wars that could escalate into World War III within a few years.
Such a catastrophic failure “would plunge the world into a series of wars that would inevitably become nuclear in nature and end in World War III,” he said.
Karaganov’s views do not constitute official policy, but are closely watched by Western security experts because they reflect the more aggressive elements within Russia’s strategic discussions.
But despite his recommendations, Putin remains more cautious.
Speaking at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg in June, Putin stressed that Russia is “not brandishing” its nuclear weapons and expressed hope that a nuclear war with the West will never happen.
Some analysts in the West say Karaganov serves a useful function for the Kremlin by expressing views that cause unrest in the West, while making Putin appear calm and moderate by comparison.