In an interview with Diario Red, journalist and former Moscow correspondent Rafael Poch discusses growing tensions between Russia and Europe, arguing that Western policies have contributed to a dangerous geopolitical confrontation.

He notes that influential voices within Russia, including political analyst Sergey Karaganov, are calling for a more aggressive deterrence strategy toward Europe, including the possibility of escalating military responses if Russia faces what it perceives as an existential threat.

Poch argues that the idea of strategically defeating a nuclear superpower is inherently risky and revives Cold War-era concerns about nuclear escalation.Poch criticizes Europe’s post-Cold War approach to security, claiming that European leaders chose a framework aligned with U.S.geopolitical interests rather than pursuing a cooperative security architecture that included Russia.He contends that this decision contributed to the current conflict and undermined opportunities for broader Eurasian integration.

The interview also addresses Germany’s military rearmament, growing fears of a future Russia-NATO conflict, and what Poch sees as historical amnesia in parts of Europe.

He discusses political developments within Russia, including the partial rehabilitation of Joseph Stalin's image, which he links to wartime narratives and national identity.

Beyond Ukraine, Poch warns that a large-scale war involving Iran could have severe global consequences, including disruptions to energy supplies, trade routes, and the world economy.He argues that many countries are reassessing their security relationships and that U.S.influence in some regions may be declining.

Finally, he reflects on the relative weakness of modern peace movements compared with those of the Cold War era, expressing concern that growing militarization and geopolitical rivalry are increasing the risks of wider international instability.