Jack Barsky, a 73-year-old former KGB agent, has issued a chilling warning that an "accidental launch" of Russia's "poorly maintained" nuclear arsenal could potentially trigger World War 3, as reported by RadarOnline.com.
Barsky expressed his concern that the risk of a nuclear catastrophe is greater now than ever before, with the world having already narrowly avoided "Armageddon" on three separate occasions since the Cold War between Russia and the West.
Amid escalating tensions in Russia due to Vladimir Putin's ongoing war with Ukraine, Barsky fears that an unintentional nuclear launch, resulting from Russia's lack of maintenance, could lead to disastrous consequences.
On May 3, Russia accused Ukraine of attempting to assassinate Putin using an explosive drone attack on the Kremlin. This alleged attack has prompted some Russian officials to call for "retaliation" against Ukraine. Meanwhile, other Russian nationalists have claimed that the US orchestrated the attack to inflict a "strategic defeat" on Russia.
Speaking with The Sun, Barsky stated that Putin's invasion of Ukraine was his "biggest mistake," but he cautioned against expecting the Russian leader's removal. He explained, "[Putin] is not suicidal, and all his threats about going nuclear are just bluster meant to intimidate."
Barsky expressed concern about the heightened possibility of an accidental launch due to increased tensions: "Also, I am concerned about the condition of the Russian nuclear arsenal, which is quite old and may not have been maintained as well as necessary... We indeed live in very dangerous times."
The former KGB agent pointed out that during the Soviet era, a single nuclear strike against NATO would have resulted in total annihilation. However, he revealed that several "misunderstandings" and "mistakes" had nearly led to the world's end through "nuclear destruction."
Dmitry Rogozin, who previously managed Putin's Satan-2 hypersonic missile, also issued a grim warning in response to the alleged assassination attempt. In an interview with Russian media, Rogozin suggested that the Kremlin should retaliate by deploying its nuclear arsenal against Ukraine.
Rogozin stated, "It must be said that under our doctrine, we have every right to use tactical nuclear weapons," while an AK-47 machine gun rested on his shoulder. He added, "That is precisely what they are there for - this great equalizer. For now, there is a clear disparity in the forces and conventional weapons in favor of the enemy."