Chronological coverage updated 1st October 2026 22:29.
Update 1 · 1st October 2026
Russian foreign policy adviser warns Kremlin would launch nuclear strikes over NATO troops
A senior adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia would launch nuclear strikes if NATO member nations deploy military forces to Ukrainian territory or threaten the Baltic enclave of Kaliningrad. Sergei Karaganov, 74, honorary chairman of the praesidium of Russia’s Council on Foreign and Defence Policy, issued the warning amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Metro reportedly quoted Sergei Karaganov (Honorary Chairman of the Praesidium of Russia's Council on Foreign and Defence Policy) as saying: “I hope it does not come to that, but Russia would be forced to launch a nuclear strike if NATO countries deployed troops to Ukrainian territory or if there were a direct threat to Russian territory”.
Karaganov asserted that any direct military clash between Russia and Western forces would inevitably be nuclear, acknowledging that such an outcome would result in severe global casualties.
Metro reportedly quoted Sergei Karaganov (Adviser to Vladimir Putin) as saying: “Millions of innocent people would perish”.
NATO response to nuclear rhetoric
NATO denounced the statements from Moscow, rejecting the use of nuclear threats and restating the alliance's defensive nature.
Metro reportedly quoted NATO statement (Official alliance response) as saying: “We strongly denounce the threat of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric.”.
The defensive alliance reiterated that none of its operations, military exercises, or activities present any threat or risk to Russian territory.
- Kremlin adviser Sergei Karaganov declared Russia would launch nuclear strikes if NATO deploys troops in Ukraine or threatens Kaliningrad.
- NATO condemned the nuclear rhetoric and reaffirmed that it remains a strictly defensive alliance.