Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated that Russia's possession of nuclear weapons serves as a deterrent against significant external security threats.

In an interview with state-owned magazine The International Affairs, Lavrov emphasized the importance of reminding the West about these risks to prevent the outbreak of a conflict between nuclear-armed powers. The comments come amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with concerns raised about the potential use of nuclear weapons in the event of a successful Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces.

Lavrov warned that the actions of the United States and NATO allies could lead to a direct armed confrontation between nuclear-armed nations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has expressed the importance of preventing the development of a situation where nuclear powers engage in direct armed confrontation. He stressed the need to remind opponents about the substantial military and political risks associated with such a scenario.

Lavrov's comments come in response to concerns raised by U.S. President Joe Biden about the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, however, stated that the military alliance has not observed any changes in Russia's nuclear forces.