Russia’s top defence adviser has warned that nuclear weapons would be deployed if Russia faces defeat in Ukraine, stating Europe ‘would be finished physically’ – prompting calls for UK civilian preparedness
As the conflict between Russia and other European countries intensifies, fears of a nuclear showdown are sparking urgent calls for civilian readiness. Recent pronouncements from Russian officials have sent shockwaves through the UK and Europe, with grim predictions of disastrous fallout if Russia is vanquished in Ukraine.
In the early days of January, the Kremlin launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine, deploying the nuclear-capable hypersonic Oreshnik missile near Lviv. Shortly thereafter, Sergey Karaganov, head of Russia’s Council for Foreign and Defense Policy, issued a chilling warning during an interview with Tucker Carlson.
He cautioned that should Russia face defeat, nuclear weapons would be utilised, stating that Europe “would be finished physically.”
He also threatened that Russia will “have to punish Europe severely” if it persists in backing Ukraine.
Karaganov stated: “What is defeat of Russia? If Russia comes ever close to a defeat, that would mean that Russia now would use nuclear weapons and Europe would be finished physically.”, reports the Express.
He added: “So I mean, it’s simply impossible even to think about it, but they have been talking because they need a war to rationalise their stay in power, to rationalise their existence.”
He continued: “Everybody in the world now laughs at Europe, which used to be, by the way, one of the core centres of world power. Now it’s a joke. And of course, I am not speaking of all Europe. We know that there are decent Europeans. There are smart Europeans.”
European countries like Sweden, Finland, and Norway have been handing out comprehensive survival guides. For example, Sweden distributed five million copies of a 32-page booklet called If Crisis or War Comes, which provides advice on stockpiling food, water, and vital supplies.
Meanwhile, Finland has a government website offering guidance on weathering various crises.
Professor Anthony Glees, a security and defence expert at the University of Buckingham, suggested to the Mirror that the UK should take similar steps.
Earlier in 2025, the European Commission advised EU nations to hoard critical equipment and urged citizens to keep at least a 72-hour stash of essential items for emergency situations.
The Commission warned that the European Union is grappling with unparalleled threats – from geopolitical strife and conflicts, cybersecurity and information manipulation risks, to climate change and escalating risks of natural hazards.
Essential items to pack in the survival kit include:
- Bottled water and portable water filters
- Non-perishable food and energy bars
- Torches and backup batteries
- Fire-starting tools and first-aid kit
- Warm clothing and shelter equipment
- Multi-tool or survival knife
- Communication devices such as radios
- Important identification documents and cash
- Navigation tools such as a compass and maps
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