Sergey Karaganov advocates for nuclear deterrence against Europe

Sergey Karaganov, a prominent Russian academic and former presidential advisor, has advocated for the use of limited nuclear weapons to deter European aggression and force political submission. Karaganov argues that a limited nuclear conflict on the European continent could result in a Russian victory, suggesting that such strikes could be used to achieve the total demilitarization of Ukraine and instill fear within the European Union.

Karaganov posits that the primary obstacle to such an escalation is moral rather than military, noting that strikes would cause significant civilian casualties. He further claims that the United States would likely not risk its own cities to defend European territory, making limited strikes against European powers like France or Great Britain a viable strategy. He suggests that the U.S. would not respond to nuclear strikes on Europe with strikes on Russian soil, leaving European nations to face the consequences alone.

While these views align with some strategic rhetoric from Vladimir Putin regarding Russia's strategic advantages against NATO, reports indicate that the Russian President has officially distanced himself from these extreme opinions.