By Smartencyclopedia & German newspaper BILD

BERLIN — As diplomatic tensions between Germany and Russia quietly escalated during a period of seemingly strong relations, Moscow reportedly planned a series of nuclear strikes on Berlin and other European cities, according to an explosive report by the German newspaper BILD.

The report, based on information obtained by British journalists, reveals that Russian military officials had prepared a classified presentation outlining 32 potential nuclear targets across Europe, including four specific locations in Germany. This chilling revelation suggests that even during the 2008-2014 period—when Germany and Russia appeared to enjoy robust diplomatic ties—Russia’s military was secretly rehearsing nuclear strikes against NATO forces.

According to BILD, these nuclear strike simulations were carried out by the Russian Navy’s Baltic Fleet as part of their strategic planning. The simulations reportedly occurred well before Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, a time often regarded as a “high point” in Berlin-Moscow relations.

Daniel Bellut, a commentator for BILD, emphasized the seriousness of these revelations, noting that Russia’s potential use of nuclear weapons has been a recurring topic in strategic discussions. “The fact that such plans were being developed even before the Crimea crisis indicates the depth of Russia’s strategic preparations for a potential conflict with NATO,” Bellut wrote.

Colonel Markus Reisner of the Theresian Military Academy in Austria also weighed in, expressing concern over the implications of Russia’s nuclear strike simulations. “The potential use of nuclear weapons by Russia is being discussed repeatedly, and it cannot be ruled out,” Reisner warned. He highlighted the unpredictable consequences of even a limited nuclear strike, which could easily spiral into a broader nuclear conflict.

The report also underscores Russia’s capability to transport nuclear weapons via naval vessels, enabling the possibility of rapid strikes from multiple directions. This capability adds a layer of complexity to the threat posed by Russia’s nuclear arsenal, especially in a scenario where tensions with NATO escalate.

These revelations come at a time of heightened global concern over nuclear weapons. On August 2, Western media reported on China’s proposal for new limitations on nuclear weapons, which also touched upon the potential for a first strike. The ongoing discussions reflect the international community’s anxiety over the use of nuclear weapons in any conflict.

Public opinion in Russia appears to be increasingly supportive of nuclear options, with a recent survey indicating that over a third of Russian citizens believe a nuclear strike on Ukraine could be justified. Among those surveyed, 10% were “definitely” in favor of using nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict, while 24% considered it “rather advisable.”

The BILD report serves as a stark reminder of the underlying dangers in the current geopolitical landscape, where even periods of apparent diplomatic calm can mask preparations for catastrophic military actions.