A high-ranking official with ties to the Kremlin has made a pointed declaration that Russia would deploy nuclear arms against certain NATO countries in Europe if it were to face military defeat. Sergei Karaganov, the honorary chairman of Russia's Council for Foreign and Defense Policy, mentioned in January that Russia would aim for the two most powerful nations in Europe with nuclear capabilities. This warning comes in conjunction with Russia's most extensive nuclear drills in years, held from May 19-21, which the Russian Defence Ministry clearly indicated were preparations for potential nuclear engagement. Analysts from the Atlantic Council interpret this nuclear posturing as a sign of Russia's vulnerabilities rather than an indication of strength.
