Russia’s ‘Existential Threat’ Doctrine Looms Over Ukraine War, Says Envoy

Russia’s “existential threat” doctrine, which governs nuclear use, looms over the Ukraine war, Ambassador Denis Alipov highlighted this week.
He stated that this doctrine is the reason Russia cannot be defeated, as it provides a “possibility” for nuclear use if the state’s existence is on the line.
“You can’t… take over us in this conflict simply because of our nuclear weapons,” Alipov said, making the connection explicit.
He dismissed European hopes for a Ukrainian victory as “childish behavior” and “craziness.”
He also claimed Donald Trump “understands” this reality, stating the former US president recognizes the war “is lost by Ukraine and the West,” despite the billions in aid sent to Kyiv.