Russia has said it does not seek military confrontation with NATO or Germany, but warned that growing discussions in Europe regarding a possible joint “nuclear shield” could significantly alter the continent’s strategic balance and escalate tensions further.

Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechayev made the remarks during a panel discussion titled “Peace through Dialogue” held in Berlin. According to Russian state media outlet Tass, the diplomat stressed that Moscow remains opposed to direct conflict with NATO despite increasingly hostile rhetoric surrounding the Ukraine war.

“We don’t want a war with NATO, let alone a war with Germany,” Nechayev said during the discussion.

However, the ambassador expressed concern over recent European debates surrounding a potential collective nuclear defense structure. He warned that such moves could fundamentally reshape Europe’s security environment and increase the nuclear threat perception from Moscow’s perspective.

“There has been much talk lately about a so-called joint ‘nuclear shield.’ This is no joke,” Nechayev stated. “If we are talking about expanding the nuclear threat, then a completely different strategic situation arises in Europe.”

He added that under such circumstances, Russia would be forced to remind other nations of its nuclear doctrine and strategic capabilities.

The Russian envoy also cautioned that if Moscow faced what he described as aggressive military actions or strategic threats, it would be difficult to guarantee stability or predictability in the region.

In a separate interview with German newspaper Berliner Zeitung, Nechayev criticized the narrative emerging across Europe regarding Russia. He argued that ordinary citizens are increasingly being told that war with Russia is inevitable and that Moscow represents an existential threat to Europe.

“People hear that Russia is the enemy, that a strategic defeat should be inflicted on Russia, and that Ukraine must continue receiving weapons, drones, and long-range missile systems,” he said.

The comments come amid continuing tensions between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine, which has now entered another intense phase marked by military escalation and growing geopolitical uncertainty.

On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin used Moscow’s annual Victory Day parade to accuse NATO of directly backing what he called an “aggressive force” against Russia in Ukraine. Speaking at Red Square during celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II, Putin praised Russian troops engaged in what the Kremlin continues to describe as a “special military operation.”

“Our heroes are confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc,” Putin declared.

The latest statements from Russian officials highlight the deepening mistrust between Moscow and Western nations as diplomatic relations continue to deteriorate over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.