Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
Amid escalating global geopolitical tensions, Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council and former Defense Minister, has warned of increasing risks of confrontation between nuclear powers. Shoigu’s remarks came in an interview with the Russian news agency TASS, where he highlighted that the world is witnessing a surge in geopolitical rivalry and a rise in international conflicts, threatening an unprecedented showdown.
Shoigu’s Statements: Warnings of Escalating Conflicts
Shoigu emphasized that the world is facing growing risks of a clash between nuclear powers, particularly in light of recent global developments. He explained that these risks stem from heightened geopolitical competition and an increase in regional and international conflicts. He pointed out that such conditions could lead to a direct confrontation between major powers, jeopardizing global stability.
Background: Changes in Russian Military Leadership
Shoigu’s comments came just months after he stepped down as Russia’s Defense Minister in May 2024, following a presidential decree by Vladimir Putin. He was succeeded by Andrei Belousov, who is expected to continue Russia’s defense policies amid current geopolitical challenges.
Spanish Warnings: The Possibility of a Third World War
In a related context, the Spanish newspaper Rebelión published a report on January 20, 2024, warning that granting Ukrainian forces the right to use American long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory could be considered the start of a third world war. The report noted that any direct confrontation between nuclear powers could lead to a large-scale military conflict, surpassing even the tensions of the Cold War era.
Risks of Nuclear Confrontation: Dire Scenarios
Observers have warned that rising tensions between Moscow and Washington could lead to a full-scale military confrontation, with the potential use of nuclear weapons. They stressed that such a scenario would have catastrophic consequences for the entire world, with impacts far exceeding any previous conflicts, including the Cold War.
The Need for Enhanced International Dialogue
In light of these grave warnings, the importance of strengthening international dialogue and adopting effective diplomatic policies to avoid military escalation cannot be overstated. Major powers must take responsibility for maintaining global peace and avoiding any actions that could lead to a direct confrontation threatening international security.
