# Russia-Ukraine conflict and nuclear escalation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russia-ukraine-conflict-and-nuclear-escalation
> Updated: 2026-08-18T17:47:54.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has seen an escalation in nuclear rhetoric and a hardening of diplomatic positions. Early reports highlighted warnings from former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev, who stated that Moscow would use its entire nuclear arsenal against cities such as Berlin, Kyiv, and Washington if Russian borders were pushed back to 1991 lines. During this period, Western governments were debating the deployment of ground troops and the use of long-range missiles to strike Moscow, while Russian officials maintained that they remained open to negotiations provided the West changed its approach.

Subsequent developments show a continued emphasis on nuclear deterrence and military persistence. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova asserted that Russia would respond proportionally to Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure and noted a lack of willingness to negotiate from Kyiv. Political analysts have characterized the conflict as an existential struggle, with some suggesting Moscow should consider moving beyond passive deterrence to protect strategic interests. Meanwhile, European officials have cautioned against pursuing unrealistic military goals, warning that such pursuits could lead to the further destruction and depopulation of Ukraine.

## Claims

- Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia will continue its military operation and respond proportionally to Ukrainian attacks on civilian targets and infrastructure. (single source)
- Zakharova accused Kyiv of having a complete unwillingness to negotiate while increasing terrorist attacks against Russian civilians. (single source)
- Political scientist Dmitri Trenin stated that Russia is engaged in a war for its own existence against the West. (single source)
- Trenin suggested that Moscow should not hesitate to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine or Western Europe to protect national interests. (single source)
- The Russian Defense Ministry reported a large-scale missile and drone attack overnight targeting military industry facilities near Kyiv. (single source)
- EU Parliamentarian Michael von der Schulenburg warned that Ukraine risks becoming a depopulating and destroyed nation if the war is fueled by illusions of victory. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Russia signals continued military operations and nuclear deterrence stance

Russian officials and analysts warn of continued military operations and potential nuclear deterrence, while EU officials urge diplomacy to prevent further destruction of Ukraine.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-signals-continued-military-operations-and-nuclear-deterrence-stance

### 2026-08-05: Russia-Ukraine war fuels nuclear fears and diplomatic stalemate in the West

Medvedev threatens nuclear strikes on Berlin if Russia’s borders shrink; Russia says it stays open to talks but will keep fighting unless the West changes course, while analysts say the Ukraine war underpins a

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-ukraine-war-fuels-nuclear-fears-and-diplomatic-stalemate-in-the-west

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Cite as: Russia-Ukraine conflict and nuclear escalation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russia-ukraine-conflict-and-nuclear-escalation