Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned that Russia could consider using nuclear weapons if the war in Ukraine reaches a point where Moscow believes its national survival is at stake. Speaking in comments reported by Anadolu Agency on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, Fidan said a prolonged war of attrition could eventually create an existential threat for Russia, increasing the risk that the Kremlin could consider its most extreme military option.
“During my visit to Russia, it seemed that this issue could be raised, as there was talk of the public demanding something like this. We discussed this with our Western partners, and they are aware of it as well. This is a dangerous situation. Everything that people say will not happen eventually does,” Fidan said.
His comments come amid continued international concern over the potential for the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, to escalate beyond conventional military operations. The conflict has become the largest war in Europe since World War II and has repeatedly raised concerns about confrontation between Russia and NATO.
Russia and the United States possess the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals, while NATO has repeatedly warned that any use of nuclear weapons would fundamentally alter the nature of the conflict. Moscow has maintained that its nuclear doctrine is intended to deter attacks and protect Russia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Fidan urged countries to take the possibility of further escalation seriously rather than assuming that developments considered unlikely today could never occur. His warning underscores the broader diplomatic challenge facing governments seeking to support Ukraine while preventing the conflict from expanding into a direct confrontation between nuclear-armed powers.
The Turkish government has sought to maintain communication with both Moscow and Kyiv during the war. Turkey, a NATO member, has supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity while also maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with Russia, positioning Ankara as one of the few countries able to engage with both sides.
