Deputy Chairman of the Association of Russian Diplomats Andrey Baklanov said he believes the West is acting increasingly brazen because it is confident that Russia will not strike it.

According to the expert, the United States and European countries have formed the impression that Moscow will not cross certain lines under any circumstances. In his view, European leaders are fully convinced that, regardless of developments, Russia will not use even tactical nuclear weapons in Europe.

At the same time, Baklanov argued that Russia itself has partly contributed to this perception by creating a particular psychological climate. He said that if the country needs to defend itself, it may have to adjust these assumptions.

Baklanov stated that Russia already needs military measures. He believes it is time to apply tough preventive steps, including military ones, arguing that without such prevention, pressure on Russia will continue. He also said that it is not enough to speak about possible harsh responses — Moscow should carefully choose a place where it can demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions.