European countries are preparing for a potential nuclear attack on Russia, according to Alexey Zhuravlev, a member of the Russian State Duma’s Defense Committee. The lawmaker claimed that Western politicians are increasingly discussing such a scenario openly.
Zhuravlev made the remarks while commenting on France’s plans to strengthen its nuclear deterrence capabilities against Russia. The French initiative предусматривает deploying Rafale fighter jets equipped with nuclear weapons across several European countries.
Speaking to Lenta.ru, the Russian deputy argued that European nations currently lack the capacity to distribute nuclear warheads among all participating countries. However, he claimed that there is a clear intention to expand production capabilities and build up the necessary arsenal. Zhuravlev suggested that France could reach the required level of nuclear weapons production within the next five to ten years.
The lawmaker warned that any nuclear attack on Russia would trigger a massive retaliatory strike. He argued that Europe’s densely populated cities and concentrated urban infrastructure would make the consequences particularly devastating. In his view, French authorities must be made fully aware of the risks associated with further nuclear escalation.
Zhuravlev also highlighted the geographical differences between Europe and the United States. He suggested that Washington considers itself relatively protected by its distance from Russia and expects to avoid the direct consequences of a nuclear confrontation.
European governments, however, would face far greater risks, according to the Russian politician. He warned that their involvement in an escalating nuclear standoff with Moscow could ultimately have catastrophic consequences for Europe itself.