Vladimir Putin is more likely
to pursue all-out nuclear warfare rather than concede defeat to Ukraine.
Margarita Simonyan, the editor of
state broadcaster RT and one of the Kremlin’s highest-profile media bosses,
made the remarks on TV on Wednesday night.
The remarks added to a pattern
of escalating rhetoric on both sides as Russia continues to warn the west
of the “lightning-fast” consequences of interfering in its ongoing
invasion.
She said: “Either we lose in
Ukraine or the Third World War starts. I think World War Three is more
realistic, knowing us, knowing our leader. The most incredible outcome, that
all this will end with a nuclear strike, seems more probable to me than the
other course of events.
“This is to my horror on one
hand, but on the other hand, it is what it is. We will go to heaven, while they
will simply croak… We’re all going to die someday.”
Ms. Simonyan’s nuclear war
reference follows recent comments by Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov,
who said the threat of a nuclear conflict must not be underestimated and that
the core of any agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine would depend largely
on the military situation on the ground.
Mr. Lavrov said: “This is our
key position on which we base everything. The risks now are considerable. I
would not want to elevate those risks artificially. Many would like that. The
danger is serious, real. And we must not underestimate it,” he said, referring
to the risk of nuclear war.
“We have all the tools for
this — ones that no one can brag about. And we won’t brag. We will use them if
needed. And I want everyone to know this,” Mr. Putin said. “We have already
taken all the decisions on this.”
Russian announced last
week that it will deploy the Satan II, also known as the Sarmat
intercontinental ballistic missile system by autumn, with the warhead capable
target the UK as well as Europe and the US and carrying 1 or more nuclear
warheads.
