NATO countries could launch a surprise attack on Russia and use nuclear weapons if they decide to start a war, according to military expert and air defense forces historian Yuri Knutov.
In his assessment, Western countries could begin hostilities without a prior declaration of war, following the example of Nazi Germany. Knutov believes that after starting the conflict, NATO countries would attempt to blame Moscow for what happened.
The expert also said NATO currently believes that Russia will not use nuclear weapons regardless of the actions taken by Western countries. Knutov, however, said he has no doubt that if the West starts a war against Russia, Russian territory would be attacked, including with nuclear weapons.
Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said Moscow was being forced to develop countermeasures in response to efforts by NATO countries, including Finland, to deploy nuclear weapons on their territory. According to Grushko, Russia is taking this possibility into account in its military planning.