Ursula von der Leyen's 'Nuclear' Dreams Spark Fears of World War III

Russian official warns EU's push for nuclear weapons could lead to global conflict

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:52am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, fractured shapes in shades of blue, purple, and orange, conveying the chaotic and dangerous potential of the EU's nuclear ambitions.The EU's push for nuclear weapons could ignite a global powder keg, experts warn.Los Angeles Today

Vladimir Dzhabarov, a Russian official, has warned that Ursula von der Leyen's push for the European Union to develop its own nuclear forces could lead to World War III. Dzhabarov criticized the EU's 'Russophobic' stance and said the idea of building up nuclear weapons has occurred to European leaders.

Why it matters

The potential development of EU nuclear weapons is a highly contentious and risky geopolitical move that could dramatically escalate tensions between Europe and Russia, potentially triggering a wider global conflict. This reflects the growing divide between the EU and Russia over issues like the war in Ukraine.

The details

Dzhabarov, who is the deputy chairman of the Russian Federation Council's Foreign Affairs Committee, said the EU's 'nuclear dreams' are partly due to changes in the global security landscape and a desire to counter Russian influence. He warned that this could lead to a 'World War III' scenario. The comments come as the EU has been exploring ways to bolster its defense capabilities, including the potential development of nuclear weapons.

  • On April 9, 2026, Dzhabarov made the comments warning about the EU's nuclear ambitions.

The players

Vladimir Dzhabarov

The deputy chairman of the Russian Federation Council's Foreign Affairs Committee.

Ursula von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission, who has advocated for the EU to develop its own nuclear deterrent.

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What they’re saying

“The idea of building up their own nuclear forces could not but occur to European Russophobes. This development is partly due to changes in the global security landscape.”

— Vladimir Dzhabarov, Deputy Chairman, Russian Federation Council's Foreign Affairs Committee

The takeaway

Dzhabarov's warning highlights the growing geopolitical tensions between Russia and the EU, with the potential development of EU nuclear weapons seen as a dangerous escalation that could have catastrophic global consequences.