Vladimir Putin’s former adviser claims Russia could hit a Nato country with a “limited use” of nuclear weapons and the alliance would not retaliate.
Sergei Karaganov made the comments in Russian newspapers as he insisted that his country had a “right to respond” to any strikes in their territory.
President Putin also warned that the use of Western weapons to hit targets in Russia, would put Nato “at war” with his country.
Despite Ukraine’s allies banning the country from striking Russia with Western-made weapons, there are growing calls for the US and UK to approve the use of long-range Storm Shadow missiles.
However, the threat of nuclear weapons has long been the main reason why allies have blocked strikes with Western-made missiles.
Karaganov told Kommersant: “The assertion that any limited use of nuclear weapons will necessarily lead to a general nuclear Armageddon does not stand up to criticism.”
It has been reported that Karaganov also suggested Nato would not retaliate if a small number of nuclear weapons were used.
He also claimed that the US is “lying” about nuclear protection.
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He said: “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.”
Russia has boosted its threats against the West in response to the strikes on Russian border.
Karaganov has since called on Russia to invoke its “right to respond to any massive strikes on our territory with a nuclear strike”.
The nuclear doctrine “should be to ensure that all current and future enemies are sure that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons”.
Russia has boosted its threats against the West in response to the strikes on Russian border
REUTERS
It comes as President Zelensky has called Russia’s bluff on threats that it will drop bombs on civilians.
This week will see both US and UK officials visiting the country.
He told reporters: “If I am optimistic about their decision to give us permission to use long distance, it is a pity it doesn’t depend on my optimism.
“It depends on their optimism. Let’s count on some strong decisions on this.”