Evgeny Savostyanov, the former head of the KGB in Moscow and a renowned analyst of Russian politics, warns that Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are using the same fear tactics to manipulate public opinion and achieve their political goals. According to Savostyanov, Putin has been using the threat of nuclear “apocalypse” for years to scare the West and extract strategic concessions, such as during the 2014 invasion of Crimea or during the war in Ukraine. Trump, on the other hand, is using the same game, threatening military action and denigrating American institutions such as the Federal Reserve and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to push his agenda.
Savostyanov emphasizes that, unlike historical crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis or the Yom Kippur War, there is no real risk of an immediate nuclear conflict now. However, he warns that Trump’s statements with references to nuclear undertakings have struck directly at Russia’s strategic heart and should not be underestimated.
In this context, Savostyanov describes leaders such as Putin, Xi Jinping, Kim Jong-un and Khamenei as extreme ideological figures who seek to destroy Western influence and are inaccessible to peaceful dialogue. He urges the need for a strong policy of defense and “deterrence” to prevent escalation. While adding that his ban in Europe is not a sign of Russophobia, but a consequence of his history and security measures, Savostyanov argues that the fear of Russia in Europe is justified, based on Russia’s ongoing aggression and threats to the Region.