A close associate of Vladimir Putin has sounded the alarm that the Russian leader could trigger a nuclear attack if provoked.
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin, warned the West that an attempt to push Russia toward collapse would amount to a “chess game with Death.”
Medvedev alleged that some in the West would like to “take advantage of the military conflict in Ukraine to push our country to a new twist of disintegration, do everything to paralyze Russia’s state institutions and deprive the country of efficient controls, as happened in 1991."
Read more: Warning to Irish pub drinkers as experts predict what's coming down the line
He added: "Such attempts are very dangerous and mustn’t be underestimated. Those dreamers ignore a simple axiom: a forceful disintegration of a nuclear power is always a chess game with Death, in which it’s known precisely when the check and mate comes: doomsday for mankind.”
It comes as Europe is preparing to cut winter gas use after Russia failed to reopen a crucial pipeline yesterday in an ongoing “weaponisation of energy”.
Germany and France aim to lower heat in public buildings, while Italy plans to close them early and cut street lighting by 40%.
Germans have been told to reduce usage.
The Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany had been shut for three days for “maintenance work”. But Russia’s state energy firm Gazprom now says it has a leak – meaning it could be closed indefinitely.
Energy prices have soared since Russia invaded Ukraine in February and scarce supplies mean families in Europe may be priced out of heating this winter.
READ NEXT:
Ciara Mageean smashes 1500m Irish National record at Diamond League event
Fintan McCarthy EXCLUSIVE: How Paul O'Donovan and I can row for more Olympic glory after 2024
Denise O'Sullivan: Ireland fear no one in World Cup play-offs
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
