Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said Russia has no intention of starting a Third World War, but warned that Moscow would use nuclear weapons if the country faced a serious threat to its security or existence. Speaking on Saturday, 11 July, Peskov said Russia, as a major global power, was fully aware of the consequences of any potential international conflict and would act responsibly. He accused European leaders of portraying Russia as an “absolute evil” in order to prepare public opinion and taxpayers for a continued confrontation with Moscow. The comments come as tensions between Russia and Western countries remain high over the war in Ukraine. Russian officials have repeatedly warned in recent months that any direct threat to the country’s security or sovereignty could trigger a severe response, including the possible use of nuclear capabilities.
