Russian presenter and propagandist Igor Korotchenko used Russia’s state TV to falsely warn its viewers that NATO will soon issue a “direct nuclear ultimatum” against Russia. In light of the claims, he called for the initiation of immediate nuclear weapons drills to counter the alleged NATO attack. As the channel showed images of NATO and Ukrainian soldiers in the background, he also urged the Russian government to set up a “nuclear planning group” where Russian officials can plan which “NATO infrastructure or units to target” as he explained, “the time has come for us, plans must be worked out now already”.
Speaking on Russia’s Channel 1, Igor Korotchenko said: “We may encounter direct nuclear blackmail against Russia because American tactical nuclear weapons are now located in a number of NATO airbases.
“The formats of their use in combat envision the transfer to NATO countries with air power of free-falling American modernised nuclear bombs for hitting Russian territory.”
He continued: “Well, evidently the time has come for us perhaps, I’ve already said this, to hold drills for practicing scenarios in which Russian tactical nuclear weapons are used.
“It’s just that when we encounter NATO’s nuclear blackmail, we shouldn’t be running around thinking about how to respond.
“All response plans must be worked out now already.”
The presenter added: “I propose that a nuclear planning ground be set up under the Security Council ignorer to, with the participation of the military, politicians and civilian analysts, determine our aims and objectives, including of the eventuality of us having to react in this way.
“[The group needs to plan] which of NATO’s critical infrastructure facilities, which units and headquarters may be targets for a strike since we will soon be issued with a direct nuclear ultimatum by the NATO alliance.
“We can expect it”.
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