- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev made a chilling warning on Monday, telling European leaders that any war between Moscow and Europe could become a nuclear conflict. Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, told Europe that it "cannot afford a war with Russia" and reiterated that there is always the possibility of a "fatal accident" if tensions become increased.
In a Telegram post, Medvedev stated that Russia is not looking for war against Europe, which he scornfully called "frigid old Europe." But he said Western nations risk underestimating the costs of an encounter. "They quite simply cannot afford to fight a war with Russia," Medvedev wrote, stating that the threat of escalation into a war that uses weapons of mass destruction is "absolutely real.
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Lavrov Blames NATO And EU For Waging War
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov raised the rhetoric earlier this week by stating that NATO and the European Union had "effectively declared war" on Moscow. Addressing the G20 foreign ministers' summit at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Lavrov stated that the West had overstepped the mark by giving not only arms and funding but also direct engagement in Ukraine's defense.
“NATO and the EU have basically declared war on my country and are partaking of it directly,” Lavrov told reporters, warning of a “decisive response” to any aggression.
NATO Tensions And India’s Role
The threats follow reports of Russian fighter jets and drones flying into NATO airspace, raising the specter of direct conflict. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also generated headlines by tying US tariffs on India to the larger global geopolitical landscape. Speaking to CNN, Rutte said US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, and an additional penalty on its imports of Russian oil, has indirectly pressured Moscow.
According to Rutte, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally asked President Vladimir Putin to clarify Russia’s strategy in Ukraine, as India faces economic fallout from both tariffs and its continued energy ties with Russia.
Lavrov Targets Israel
At his UN speech, Lavrov also went after Israel, criticising its Gaza military campaign while emphasizing Russia's criticism of the October 2023 Hamas attacks. He insisted that there was "no justification" for the "brutal killings" of Palestinians or the intention to annex the West Bank, emphasising Moscow's effort to present itself as critical of pro-Western policies in the Middle East.