Russia warned Tuesday of the risks of a direct military confrontation between nuclear powers, stressing the potentially dire consequences. The statement followed allegations by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that Britain and France were secretly preparing to supply Ukraine with nuclear weapons parts and technology. The warning raises global concern about escalation involving nuclear-armed states.
The SVR offered no documentary evidence to support its claim. The French embassy in Moscow called the allegation “an outright lie,” while Britain had not commented immediately. Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that any attack on Russia or its forces involving nuclear elements could provoke decisive retaliation.
Read more: New start treaty ends, raising nuclear tensions worldwide
Putin made the remarks while addressing the FSB security service, the successor to the Soviet KGB. Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine in 2024 outlines defensive scenarios under which nuclear weapons could be used, emphasizing their deterrent role.
Ukraine dismissed the claims as “absurd,” with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi accusing Russia of fabricating “dirty bomb” narratives. He reiterated that Ukraine has consistently denied any attempt to acquire nuclear weapons and called on the international community to reject the misinformation.
Read more: Kremlin denies secret nuclear tests by Russia, China
The allegations come amid ongoing geopolitical tension in Eastern Europe, highlighting the delicate balance of deterrence between nuclear powers and the potential for misinformation to exacerbate global security risks.