Bulgarian PM Warns Putin Holds a ‘Nuclear Trump Card’
Responding to Russian threats to use nuclear weapons in defense of Kaliningrad, Mark Rutte condemned Moscow’s rhetoric and said NATO would remain undeterred. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev took a different view, warning that President Vladimir Putin retains a “nuclear trump card” and calling for increased diplomatic efforts to reduce the risk of escalation.
At the Euronews Defence and Space Summit 2026 in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev discussed the escalating threat from Russia. However, they disagreed on the appropriate response. Rutte dismissed Russia's nuclear threats, stating that NATO's combined military strength surpasses Russia's, making any conflict undesirable for Moscow.
He also condemned Russia's illegal war against Ukraine, urging an end to such aggression. Radev, on the other hand, viewed Russia's threats more seriously, warning that President Vladimir Putin retains a "nuclear trump card" that he might exploit if weakened. He advocated for a more diplomatic approach to avoid a "worst-case scenario," emphasizing the need to prepare for potential conventional defeat of the world's largest nuclear power.
Radev also noted that diplomacy should aim to prevent a nuclear conflict and end the war in Ukraine. European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius disagreed with calls for renewed engagement with Moscow, asserting that Russia's stance remains clear: Ukraine must surrender. He called for a tougher European response to Russia's hybrid attacks, which aim to influence European public opinion.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
