United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently issued a stern warning as technological advances and escalating geopolitical tensions that risk the outbreak of a nuclear conflict endanger the world at a level not seen since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

“Humanity is on a knife’s edge,” Guterres said during the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Arms Control Association on June 7 in Washington, D.C. “The risk of a nuclear weapon being used has reached heights not seen since the Cold War.” He added that countries are engaged in a “qualitative arms race” as advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence heighten the danger.

Guterres’ remarks came amid the West’s support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The United States and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization members have accused Moscow of displaying its nuclear power.

Meanwhile, Russian leaders expressed that deepening Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict could trigger an escalation and that they are serious about it. However, they “are not brandishing [nuclear weapons],” Russian President Vladimir Putin told an audience at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 7. He reiterated that Russia would only consider using nuclear weapons if its sovereignty or territorial integrity were under threat.

“I do not believe that is the case now,” Putin emphasized. He warned, however, that changes to the doctrine “are not ruled out.”

Guterres suggested otherwise: “Nuclear blackmail has reemerged with some recklessly threatening nuclear catastrophe.” He called for disarmament now and for nations to step up.

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