Russia has issued a direct warning of using nuclear weapons against the UK and mainland Europe. Sergey Karaganov, who heads Russia’s Council for Foreign and Defense Policy, stated that if Russia faces defeat in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin would resort to nuclear weapons, resulting in catastrophic consequences for Europe.
Karaganov criticized his own government for showing excessive patience towards Europe. In an interview with right-wing American commentator Tucker Carlson, he expressed disapproval, emphasizing the need for severe consequences if Europe continues to support the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Describing the idea of a Russian defeat as unrealistic, Karaganov highlighted a perceived lack of intellectual competence among European leaders. He mentioned a global perception of Europe as a diminished power center, attributing this decline to what he called an intellectual deterioration since 1968.
Karaganov argued that European leaders fail to grasp the gravity of the situation and the potential for conflict on their own soil, urging Russia to help them understand without resorting to nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, amidst escalating global tensions, the UK has deployed a military officer to Greenland in response to Denmark’s increased military presence in the Arctic and High North. This move follows calls by former US President Donald Trump for the US to take control of the region.
Denmark’s defense minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, emphasized the unpredictability of future events and announced a joint operation involving allied countries to enhance regional security. Several nations, including Germany, Sweden, Norway, and France, have committed personnel to the mission aimed at strengthening cooperation and operational capabilities in the Arctic region.
The renewed focus on security comes amid persistent pressure from Trump for the US to secure Greenland to prevent strategic adversaries like Russia and China from gaining influence in the territory. Trump’s administration has even raised the possibility of using force to annex Greenland, sparking concerns about the implications for the transatlantic alliance.