A retired Russian admiral has warned that Moscow must take "with the utmost seriousness" a recent meeting of U.S. military leaders where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly instructed generals to "prepare for war."
Sergei Avakyants made the remarks during an appearance on Russian state television’s 60 Minutes program. While pundits on state TV do not always reflect official Kremlin policy, they frequently push anti-Western narratives and highlight Russia’s military strength, including its nuclear capabilities. In this instance, Avakyants’s comments followed Hegseth’s statement, underscoring Moscow’s concern about potential U.S. actions and support for Ukraine.
The discussion highlighted Russia’s uncertainty over the U.S. supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, a development announced by Vice President JD Vance. The program also referenced retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, who serves as former President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine. Kellogg indicated that Trump had authorized Ukraine to conduct long-range strikes using U.S.-made weapons.
Avakyants described the gathering of U.S. generals at Marine Corps Base Quantico as unprecedented. “It has never happened before for all the generals to be gathered in one spot,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of the event. He suggested that the Department of Defense, referred to in Trump’s words as the “Department of War,” would direct the generals to prepare for war.
The discussion on state television focused heavily on the strategic implications of providing Ukraine with Tomahawks. Avakyants called the potential transfer a “very serious issue,” noting that the missiles could reach major industrial centers deep within Russia. He stressed that while Moscow must avoid escalating tensions with the United States directly, Russia’s response to Tomahawk deliveries would need to be “decisive and devastating” for Ukraine.
Avakyants also referenced Russia’s nuclear arsenal, saying Moscow currently has the capability to destroy Europe and may need to make “unpopular but strong decisions” in response to escalating military threats.
The retired admiral highlighted Hegseth’s Tuesday meeting with U.S. military leaders, emphasizing the defense secretary’s message: the Department of War’s sole mission is war-fighting. Avakyants interpreted this as a clear directive for U.S. generals to prepare for potential military action.
When Russian anchor Olga Skabeyeva pressed him on whether Moscow should demonstrate extreme resolve, even hinting at a “nuclear catastrophe,” Avakyants responded cautiously, stating that such strategies had long been formulated. He reiterated the unprecedented nature of the U.S. generals’ gathering and the seriousness with which Russia must treat the situation.
Following Hegseth’s remarks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia is continuing to strengthen its armed forces. Moscow is expected to approve additional military spending later in October, signaling a commitment to maintaining and expanding its defense capabilities.
The situation has left both Russia and Ukraine speculating on the potential delivery of Tomahawk missiles and the impact this could have on the ongoing conflict. Analysts will continue to watch developments closely, as any escalation in weapons support could significantly alter the dynamics of the war in Eastern Europe.
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