By John Baker
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has condemned Russia’s latest nuclear threats, emphasizing that a nuclear war cannot be won. Wadephul argued that the Kremlin’s warnings jeopardize arms control and global security, urging global leaders to strengthen their defense strategies. Russia’s nuclear stance has notably led Germany, France, and the UK to join the U.S. in prioritizing efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Russian President Vladimir Putin raised concerns among European leaders after stating that he “hopes there will be no need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.”
Wadephul stated, “To safeguard peace and security, we must continue to bolster our deterrence and defense capabilities, while continuing to work with determination to promote the international order.”
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has raised serious concerns regarding a lack of nuclear stability, noting Iran’s suspected enrichment of uranium. Despite previously claiming its program is civilian in nature, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has claimed the country can resume enrichment despite facility setbacks following U.S. airstrikes.
Araghchi said, “Buildings can be rebuilt. Machines can be replaced because the technology is there. We have plenty of scientists and technicians who used to work in our facilities. But when and how we restart our enrichment depends on the circumstances.”
Araghchi has stressed Iran’s openness to renewed U.S. talks, conditional on compensation for airstrike damages.
By labeling setbacks as “existential threats,” Russia has justified possible nuclear use. Wadephul said, “Unfortunately, we also see countries like Russia engage in nuclear blackmail, thereby calling into question the nuclear order and its function as a central pillar of global security.”
John Baker covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.