Russia issues nuclear warning as Ukraine strikes deep inside Russia

Russia has warned that nuclear weapons could be used in certain circumstances as Dmitry Medvedev said a failure to end the Ukraine war on Moscow’s terms could trigger a wider global conflict, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

Medvedev says nuclear threats are ‘reality’

Medvedev, Russia’s former president and deputy chairman of its Security Council, insisted Moscow’s nuclear warnings were not a bluff or scare tactic. He accused Western leaders of an “abysmal ignorance” and said their actions were pushing the world towards a nuclear catastrophe.

He warned that a Third World War could “obliterate” human civilisation and leave billions dead, while claiming there had already been acts of aggression capable of triggering such a conflict.

Putin retains final say over nuclear response

Medvedev pointed to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which he said allows Moscow to use nuclear weapons when there is a critical threat to the country’s security. He also highlighted expanded provisions covering attacks on Russia or Belarus by a non-nuclear state backed by a nuclear power.

“We have every right to respond to a critical threat to our sovereignty,” Medvedev said, stressing that the final decision would rest with President Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine strikes deep into Russia

The warning came as Ukrainian drones hit several targets across Russia. Sochi, a major Black Sea resort, was struck overnight, leaving eight people injured, with five taken to hospital.

Ukraine also attacked the Caspian Sea port of Makhachkala in Dagestan, a facility used to receive Iranian military imports. Further north, Novy Urengoy in Siberia was hit in a record-breaking drone strike, with a Gazprom condensate plant reportedly seen ablaze.

Zelenskyy vows attacks will continue

Speaking during an official visit to Canada, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia continued its attacks against Ukraine every day.

“And every day it receives a just response,” he said, underlining Kyiv’s determination to take the fight deeper into Russian territory.

Russia insists it’s ready to unleash nukes in WW3 warning – 'Billions could die'