Russia Warns West of Nuclear Response to Aggression
Andrei Kolesnik warns Western aggression against Russia could bring devastating consequences, citing nuclear doctrine, NATO drills and rising tensions near Belarus.
Any attempt by Western countries to launch military aggression against Russia would bring devastating consequences for those involved, according to Andrei Kolesnik, a member of the State Duma Defence Committee.
Kolesnik said that a direct clash with Russia, which he described as a major nuclear power, would threaten the opposing side with complete destruction. He argued that any country or coalition that commits aggression against Russia would face elimination under the country’s doctrinal documents.
When asked whether Russia could use tactical nuclear weapons in such a scenario, Kolesnik did not rule it out. He stressed that the decision would depend on the scale of the threat facing the country. The lawmaker also warned that the international situation could spiral out of control, with fatal consequences for those who initiate the conflict.
Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that a direct confrontation with Moscow would lead to catastrophic consequences for anyone threatening Russia’s security. At the same time, he argued that the situation could still be changed if common sense prevails and there is a genuine effort to reduce tensions.
State Duma Defence Committee member Viktor Sobolev also previously described NATO’s «Brave Boar» manoeuvres near the borders of Russia and Belarus as preparation for war. According to him, one alliance exercise ends only for another to begin almost immediately, which he said points to active Western preparations for a military conflict.