Camilla Jessen
Kremlin adviser threatens Europe with nuclear destruction.
A senior Russian ideologue has issued one of the most explicit nuclear threats yet against Europe, escalating rhetoric as Moscow continues its war against Ukraine.
Sergei Karaganov, an adviser to the Russian presidential administration, said Europe could face a nuclear attack within one to two years if the war around Ukraine does not end. Speaking in an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson, Karaganov claimed that Europe represents a threat that must be “eliminated.”
“We must eliminate the European threat to humanity,” Karaganov said, according to The Moscow Times. When asked which countries could be targeted, he named Germany and the United Kingdom.
“My choice would be Great Britain and Germany,” he said, adding that Germany should be first because it was “the source of the worst European stories.”
Punishment scenario
The discussion arose after Carlson asked about possible consequences if Russian President Vladimir Putin were assassinated by Ukrainians or Europeans. Karaganov responded that Europe would be “wiped off the map” in retaliation.
“It must be wiped off the geopolitical and geostrategic map, because it is an annoying nuisance,” he said. Karaganov added that any nuclear strike would likely be preceded by conventional attacks.
While acknowledging that nuclear weapons represent “a double sin,” he argued that Russia must be prepared to use them if necessary.
A pattern of escalation
Karaganov has repeatedly promoted nuclear brinkmanship. In October 2024, he described Russia’s nuclear arsenal as “a gift from the Almighty” and said it should be actively used to ensure Russia’s survival. He has also previously called for nuclear strikes against Ukrainian forces.
German newspaper Bild earlier reported that Karaganov and his wife own property in Berlin, which he reportedly transferred to his wife after learning sanctions could be imposed.
Europe responds
European leaders have warned that Russia’s threats are no longer theoretical. French President Emmanuel Macron said this week that Europe is now clearly within range of Russian missiles, citing recent Oreshnik missile launches in Ukraine.
“For those who believed the Russian threat did not affect us, the message is very clear,” Macron said in an address to the armed forces.
He urged European nations to accelerate weapons development and deepen cooperation with Germany and Britain to strengthen deterrence.
As Russia intensifies both its military actions and its rhetoric, analysts warn that such statements are designed to intimidate Europe into reducing support for Ukraine.
Sources: The Moscow Times, Bild, official statements
