Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow’s nuclear deterrent is necessary because of NATO’s proxy war in Ukraine. The diplomat added that direct conflict between NATO and Moscow would lead to a nuclear war. 

In an interview with the International Affairs Journal, Lavrov explained, “Russia’s nuclear deterrence policy is strictly defensive. It is aimed at…guaranteed protection of this country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and [prevention of] aggression against Russia and its allies.” He added, “The developments in and around Ukraine have confirmed that our concerns are well-grounded. Let me remind you that NATO has grossly violated the principle of indivisibility of security and is focusing on a “strategic defeat” of Russia.” 

He went on to slam NATO for potentially provoking a nuclear conflict by supporting Kiev. “A great danger in the context of the Ukrainian conflict is linked with the fact that the United States and NATO countries.” The Russian diplomat continued, “While gearing up for confrontation, run the risk of becoming involved in a direct armed clash between nuclear powers. We think that this course of events can and must be prevented.”

Washington and its Western allies have undermined potential peace talks between Kiev and Moscow. NATO countries have transferred tens of billions of dollars in weapons to Kiev and trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops. 

The Biden White House asserts its policy is intended to defend the international world order and Ukrainian sovereignty. However, American officials have admitted their goal is to weaken Russia and have strong-armed Kiev launching military operations with little chance of success. By pushing the Zelensky administration to choose war over diplomacy, Washington will likely cause Kiev to have to cede more territory to Moscow to end the war.