Business

Russia-NATO tensions rise over nuclear warning

By Sohail Khan 1 October 2026, 8:59 pm

Benchmarks
Nifty22,421.95-198.5

FEATURED FUNDS★★★★★

Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct-Growth

5Y Return
19.86 %

Invest Now

Enter search text:

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

Read Today's Paper

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

After Russia warned NATO that it could use nuclear weapons if the alliance tried to isolate Kaliningrad, Russian foreign policy strategist Sergei Karaganov issued another stark warning. Karaganov said Moscow could initially use conventional weapons but would “go nuclear” if European countries continued backing Ukraine and refused to surrender, warning there would be “little left” of some European countries.

After Russia warns NATO of nuclear attack, Russian strategist warns ‘little left’ of Europe<br> — 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

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.

ALSO READ: Smit Machchhar stabbed mid-air: Flydubai co-pilot accused of attack ‘prayed a lot’, refused to shake women’s hands; feared he could cause another 9/11

"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.

ALSO READ: Execution failed in Tennessee: Christa Pike, who survived 2 lethal doses,was raped multiple times as a child; suffered horrific trauma worse than 99% of Americans

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.

Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte, from left, speak to Generals behind a map of Europe during a visit of the 1. German-Netherlands Corps in Muenster, Germany, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

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)

Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source
Add Now!

(You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp channel)

(You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp channel)

Read More News on
Russia NATO nuclear threatWorld War IIIRussia nuclear attackNATO nuclear warningSergei KaraganovRussia Ukraine warKaliningradRussia warns NATOEurope nuclear threatWorld War 3 threat

Enter search text:

Continue reading with one of these options:
Limited Access
Free
Login to get access to some exclusive stories

& personalised newsletters
Login Now

Unlimited Access
Starting @ Rs120/month
Get access to exclusive stories, expert opinions &

in-depth stock reports
Subscribe Now

Unlock Access to All Exclusives with ETPrime FREE TRIAL

15 Days Free: Unlock All ETPrime Exclusives, Market Tools & ePapers

Trial offer expiring in00 : 05 : 00

I'd rather pay ₹2599 now

Uh-oh! This is an exclusive story available for selected readers only.

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

Unlock ETPrime's Exclusive Stories Today!

Subscribe to gain powerful insights on business, stock market and industry trends.

Big Price Drop! Flat 40% Off

Student Only Offer

Already a Member? Sign In now

Already a Member? Sign In now
Already a Member? Sign In now

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Special Offer

Get flat 40% off on ETPrime

Avail Offer
Avail Offer

Claim NowAlready a Member? Sign In now

Need Assistance?

Connect with an ETPrime expert for personalized support and guidance

+91 9484700004

' + h3 + '

' + h4 + '

' + listing + '

What’s Included with

ETPrime Membership

1Exclusive Insights That Matter

Uncover the truth with our investigative stories

Make strategic moves using the real-world case studies

Read industry-specific stories to identify emerging trends

Spot opportunities with in-depth insights that matter

Trump temper on H-1B visas is forcing Indians to do these things to stay put in US

What Adani’s US indictment means for India Inc’s overseas fundraising
Why veterans like Reliance, L&T are on acquisition spree? Aswath Damodaran has an answer.

Will China’s dollar bond sale in Saudi Arabia trump the US in financial world?
Huawei launches its own OS to compete with Google and Apple. But can it win beyond China?

The problem with lab grown diamonds
Why a falling rupee is a better option for the economy

A list of top 20 momentum stocks that have delivered massive returns in one year