Tadić on Russian 'advice' to Europe: 'I don't know what they consume in the Kremlin, but I suspect it's stronger than vodka'

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov offered four pieces of advice for the European Union to de-escalate relations with Russia, stating that "Russia is not a source of danger for Europe." He urged the EU to "listen to Russia's concerns" and warned that ignoring them would lead to "problems." Peskov also called for the prompt resumption of dialogue with Russia, asserting that Russians are "open, flexible, and ready."

Nuclear physicist and analyst Tonči Tadić reacted sharply to Peskov's statements, questioning what substances might be consumed in the Kremlin, suggesting "something stronger than vodka." Tadić specifically challenged the assertion that Russia is not a danger, pointing to Russian nuclear threats against the EU and a series of hybrid actions and threats directed at member states.

Addressing Peskov's call for the EU to consider Russia's security concerns, Tadić asked, "What kind of dark concern of Russia do we have to worry about?" He highlighted Russia's arsenal of approximately 6,500 nuclear warheads, with about 1,500 active, arguing that concern should be directed towards those threatened by this nuclear capability.

Tadić characterized Peskov's warning of "problems" if Russia's concerns are ignored as "mafia blackmail from the Kremlin cartel," interpreting it as a threat: "If you don't deal with our interests, then we will crush you!" He questioned the idea of resuming dialogue after four years of Russian threats and aggression against Ukraine, describing any negotiations with Russia as akin to talking with a "mafioso holding a gun to our head."

Tadić concluded that only a European nuclear arsenal and military, coupled with a demonstrated readiness to destroy Russia if necessary, could provide Europe with security. He suggested that dialogue with Moscow could only be considered "after the end of Putin's war against Ukraine and against common sense."