Due to continued Western military support, Russia will be forced to use tactical nuclear weapons, said political analyst Sergei Markov, a former advisor to Vladimir Putin, in an interview with Times Radio. Markov expressed concern about the role of the West in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which, according to him, has increased the tension that nuclear weapons will invariably be used.
“You want to target your rocket missiles to Russian cities, to kill our people, and you, Great Britain, are going to do it. And you think we will keep silent?” said Markov during the interview.
When asked if he sees a tactical nuclear strike by Russian forces, he responded, “Yes, of course, because now a lot of Russian experts — and more and more of them — are saying Russia will have to use tactical nuclear weaponry.”
He specifically noted they will have to be used against NATO airfields.
Markov also discussed potential strikes against British territories. When asked about the topic, he said, “Eventually, of course, British territory may also be attacked… because of course, British missiles may be used from F-16s, but F-16 bases are not in Ukraine, they are based in the Romanian and Polish airfields. Possibly, the Russian army will have to give a real strike to those F-16s, which are on the Romania and Polish airfields.”
Regarding the peace talks, Markov stated that Russia is open to dialogue under certain conditions, such as the democratization of Ukraine and the removal of the “Kyiv regime.” According to him, the key to the agreement is that “Ukraine could be independent like Switzerland.” Overall, the interview points to geopolitical complications and dangers beyond the current effects of the conflict.
