Russian Academic Urges Moscow to Prepare for Nuclear Use to Restore Deterrence

Russian academic Sergei Karaganov has called for a renewed emphasis on nuclear deterrence, arguing that Moscow must be prepared to use nuclear weapons if necessary.

Karaganov warned that rising tensions with Europe could lead to a catastrophic confrontation. He framed his call for nuclear readiness as a response to that risk.

His argument centers on the credibility of deterrence: a nuclear arsenal must be backed by a willingness to use it, rather than serve solely as a symbolic threat.

The position outlined in the summary is Karaganov’s advocacy, not an announcement of a change in Russian policy. No specific threshold for nuclear use or proposed operational steps were provided.