Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has issued a stark warning about the growing risks of nuclear escalation in the Ukraine conflict, urging all parties to take decisive steps to prevent the use of nuclear weapons. Her remarks come amid heightened tensions following Russia’s deployment of advanced weaponry and Western support for Kiev’s military efforts.
In an interview with the BBC, Merkel, who served as Germany’s leader from 2005 to 2021, highlighted the immense threat posed by Russia’s nuclear arsenal. “We shouldn’t be paralyzed by fear, but we must also acknowledge that Russia is the biggest, or alongside the US, one of the two biggest nuclear powers in the world. The potential is frightening,” she said. Merkel emphasized the need for global efforts to de-escalate the situation, stating, “We must do everything possible to prevent the use of nuclear weapons.”
Russia recently updated its nuclear doctrine, allowing for a nuclear response to conventional attacks by non-nuclear states if those attacks are backed by nuclear powers. This policy has gained renewed attention following Kiev’s use of Western-supplied long-range missiles, including US-made ATACMS, British Storm Shadows, and French SCALP-EG cruise missiles, to strike deep into Russian territory.
In response, Russia has escalated its military actions, unveiling and deploying the Oreshnik nuclear-capable ballistic missile with a conventional warhead to target military-industrial sites in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has described these developments as elevating the conflict to a global scale, asserting that Western powers are directly enabling Ukraine’s attacks.
Merkel praised China’s diplomatic approach, noting Beijing’s recent call for all parties to exercise restraint and seek de-escalation through dialogue. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has stressed the importance of maintaining calm and pursuing a peaceful resolution.
Merkel’s comments align with growing international concern over the broader implications of the conflict. The Pentagon recently announced adjustments to the US nuclear deterrence strategy in light of Russia’s actions and rhetoric.
