Dmitry Medvedev, former president of Russia and now deputy chairman of the country’s Security Council, warned on Monday that Europe cannot afford a war with Russia, but that any such conflict could escalate to the use of weapons of mass destruction.

Speaking on Telegram, Medvedev said Russia does not seek a war, including with what he referred to as “frigid old Europe.” He stressed the catastrophic risks involved if European leaders were to make the “mistake” of initiating hostilities.

“They simply cannot afford a war with Russia,” Medvedev said, adding that “the possibility of a fatal accident always exists,” and that such a conflict carries “an absolutely real risk of escalating into a war using weapons of mass destruction,”.

NATO issues warning to Russia

Recently, NATO officials warned Russia privately that any further violations of allied airspace could result in Russian aircraft being shot down. The warning followed an incursion by Russian MiG-31 jets into Estonian airspace on September 19, which NATO interpreted as deliberate.

Diplomats from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany held secret talks in Moscow to address the breach. European officials emphasized the alliance’s commitment to defending member states, including Estonia, against unauthorized incursions. The incident highlights escalating tensions between Russia and NATO in Eastern Europe.