Lavrov threatened the outbreak of a nuclear conflict between Russia and NATO

ByEditor

Jun 19, 2026

Lavrov threatened the outbreak of a nuclear conflict between Russia and NATO

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said a direct clash between NATO and Russia could quickly escalate into a nuclear exchange with catastrophic consequences. He outlined this threat in his article “Ukraine, Europe and Global Security,” published on Friday, June 19, on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Before the text of the article it is indicated that this article was planned for publication by the European publication Politico Europe, but at the last moment, by decision of the editors, the publication was canceled.

“Under the slogan of “strategic autonomy,” a serious strengthening of power potentials is taking place in Europe, including in the nuclear sphere,” the article by the Russian Foreign Minister states. “Paris’ intentions to provide a “nuclear umbrella” to several countries of the European Union and NATO are deeply troubling. This will definitely not lead to strengthening the security of either France itself or the recipients of its “aid.”

“With all this, political and military leaders in Europe attribute aggressive plans to Russia, which allegedly are not limited to Ukraine,” continues Lavrov. “The President of Russia has stated many times that this is nonsense, provocation and disinformation in order to extract budget money for the fight against Russia. And this is not the background against which it is possible to conduct meaningful negotiations about anything.”

The material ends with a “pacifying” maxim about the need to restore trust, “anti-Russian actions of the West and Europe as its integral part in the post-Cold War era.” “Trust can only be restored by practical steps that prove the sincerity of refusing to use diplomacy as a cover for the implementation of expansionist plans,” Lavrov emphasizes.