Lavrov Warns NATO-Russia Clash Could Escalate Into Nuclear Conflict

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that the strengthening of Europe's military capabilities under the banner of strategic autonomy poses serious risks to global security. According to Lavrov, the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO demonstrates that the alliance continues to expand eastward. He added that Ukraine is being viewed as the "strike fist” of future European armed forces operating independently of both the United States and NATO. "A direct confrontation between NATO and Russia could quickly escalate into an exchange of nuclear strikes with catastrophic consequences,” Lavrov said.