A retired Russian admiral has claimed Moscow can “destroy Europe” in an ominous warning to the West over its support for Ukraine. The latest nuclear sabre-rattling came as commentators on Russian state TV discussed the prospect of the US sending Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv.
The Kremlin has warned the supply of the long-range weapons, which could strike targets deep inside Russian territory, could risk escalation. Donald Trump is considering a request from Ukraine to send the weapons, with Kremlin officials questioning whether there would be American involvement in the firing of the missiles. Admiral Sergei Avakyants, who described the potential supply of Tomahawks as a “very serious issue”, was asked whether Ukraine would be responsible for using the weapons or whether the US would play a part in the targeting or launching.
Speaking on the Russian state TV show ‘60 minutes’, the decorated retired officer claimed responsibility will lie with the US as Washington “will supply them and give intelligence data”.
“What they’re counting on is that we won’t start World War Three, that we won’t initiate it and won’t strike the territory of the United States,” he said.
“The situation is difficult. Of course, we have to rule out an escalation and striking the territory of the United States, which the US is counting on.
“Either way, our response should be very decisive and devastating… but not against the US — for now, not against the US.”
In a chilling threat to Europe, he added: “In 2014, our president, very honestly and objectively, told the West what awaits them, considering the capabilities of our strategic weapons.
“Realistically, right now, we can destroy Europe and cause irreparable losses to the United States.
“We can complete this task. The issue is not in our technical readiness, this is an issue of our resolve. Are we ready to resort to this, are we ready to do this?”
He claimed Europe has been “backing us into a corner” and warned Russia will have to make “unpopular but strong decisions” to protect the nation.
Pundits on Russian state TV often share anti-Western messages.
The show also discussed the gathering of hundreds of US military leaders in Virginia this week.
Admiral Avakyants claimed he believed the unusual step was made “to prepare for war”.
Presenter Olga Skabeeva then asked whether Russia needed to show it is “extremely resolute” to stop a “nuclear apocalypse” from happening.
“As a military man, I’d like to say that all of this was formulated a long time ago,” the admiral replied.
The US has yet to decide on whether to send Tomahawks amid growing frustration with Vladimir Putin during peace talks.
The missiles have a range of more than 1,500 miles which would put Moscow and large areas of Russia within reach.
Experts have dismissed the idea that America would be involved in the firing of the missiles.