Has Russia officially announced the use of nuclear weapons?

No. Fidan conveyed his impression and concern based on conversations in Russia, but there has been no official announcement from Moscow about the use of nuclear weapons.

What is Turkey's role in this conflict?

Turkey is a NATO member that maintains diplomatic relations with both sides and often acts as a mediator, for example in negotiations on grain exports.

How has the international community reacted?

Fidan called on the international community to intervene and stop the war, and stated that Western partners have been informed of his concerns.

World

Turkish Minister Warns of Possible Russian Use of Nuclear Weapons

Q: What exactly did the Turkish Foreign Minister say?

Hakan Fidan warned that Russia could use nuclear weapons if the war reaches a level where the nation's survival is threatened, and that he discussed this topic during his visit to Russia.

B.B. · Prije 1h | 2 min

Hakan Fidan says the war in Ukraine could escalate to a point where Russia would use all available means, including the last option.

Summary

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that Russia could use nuclear weapons.
Fidan said that during his visit to Russia, he gained the impression that the public is demanding such an option.
The minister called on the international community to intervene urgently to stop the war.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned on Saturday that Russia could resort to nuclear weapons if the war in Ukraine reaches a level where the nation's survival is threatened. Fidan stated that the conflict has shifted from an exhausting frontline battle to destruction that also affects civilian targets.

"When the exhausting fight at the front turns into an exhausting fight behind the front lines, the question becomes whether you will continue to exist as a nation. You use everything at your disposal. If destruction reaches that level, Russia could resort to the last option it has," Fidan said, as reported by Anadolu Agency.

Visit to Russia and Public Demands

Fidan made these remarks after a visit to Russia, where, as he noted, he gained the impression that the topic of nuclear weapons use could be on the agenda. "During my visit to Russia, it seemed that this issue could come up, because it was said that the public is now demanding such a thing," the Turkish minister said, adding that this is a "dangerous situation."

Ankara has also informed Western partners of its concerns. According to Fidan, the international community must intervene to stop the war, warning: "Everything that was said could not happen is happening."

Expansion of the Conflict

The minister emphasized that the war has already escalated geographically and in terms of targets and methods. In his assessment, the conflict has moved from a phase of attrition on the front line to destruction affecting the rear and civilian targets, bringing the issue to the level of national survival.

The statement comes at a time when the war in Ukraine, which began with the Russian invasion in 2022, is ongoing. The warning from a senior official of a NATO member country about the possibility of nuclear escalation further raises concerns about security on the European continent.