Russia’s Security Council secretary and former defense minister Sergei Shoigu has recently voiced worries about the growing likelihood of nuclear-armed confrontation.
He emphasized in an interview with the state-run TASS news agency that the risk of such conflicts is rising due to the growing geopolitical rivalry among major states. Shoigu explicitly cited NATO’s heightened military actions, which he says include both offensive and defensive operations, close to Belarus and Russia’s eastern borders.
In light of the world’s expanding geopolitical rivalry and escalating conflict, he said, “the risks of a violent clash between major states, including with the participation of nuclear powers, are growing.”
Russia and Belarus are taking precautions against alleged Western attempts to destabilize their situation, Shoigu added. In light of Russia’s nuclear doctrine modifications made last year, he reiterated that Belarus is now protected by Russia’s nuclear weapons.
The statements are made in the midst of continuing hostilities over NATO’s reactions to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. By holding military exercises and stationing troops near Russian borders, Shoigu charged NATO with escalating tensions.
NATO, on the other hand, has blamed Russia’s military tactics, such as the placement of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, for the escalation of hostilities.
