Moscow – Russia has accused the United Kingdom and France of actively working to provide Ukraine with a nuclear weapon, a claim vehemently denied by London. The allegations, leveled by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) on Tuesday , come as international efforts to find a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict continue, with recent US-Ukraine peace talks in Geneva described as “productive.”
According to the SVR, Britain and France believe that arming Ukraine with nuclear capabilities would strengthen Kyiv’s negotiating position in any future peace talks. The intelligence service stated that the plan involves the covert transfer of European components, equipment, and technologies necessary for the development or acquisition of such weapons. Specifically, the SVR mentioned the French TN75 warhead, designed for the M51.1 submarine-launched ballistic missile, as a potential component being considered.
“It’s believed that Ukraine needs to be supplied with a ‘wonder weapon.’ Kyiv will be able to claim more favorable terms for ending hostilities if it possesses an atomic bomb, or at least a so-called ‘dirty’ bomb,” the SVR said in a statement. The service also noted that Germany “wisely refused to participate in this dangerous adventure.”
The accusations have been met with strong denial from the British government. A Downing Street spokesperson dismissed the claims as “lies” and characterized them as a “cynical attempt by Vladimir Putin to distract international opinion from his brutal actions in Ukraine.” The spokesperson emphasized that there is “no truth” to the allegations.
The timing of these accusations is significant, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the conflict. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer used the occasion to pay tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and reaffirm the UK’s commitment to supporting a “just and lasting peace.”
Moscow has indicated it will share the information regarding the alleged plot with the United States. Yuri Ushakov, President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy advisor, stated that “Americans will be informed of everything, of course. This information will reach the Americans, we will make it reach them.” Ushakov suggested that this information could influence future discussions with Washington, stating, “we will discuss this specifically with the Americans.”
Russian officials have condemned the alleged plans in strong terms. Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the purported scheme as “bordering on madness,” while Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova declared that “attempts to supply atomic weapons to Ukraine are categorically unacceptable.”
The allegations raise serious concerns about the potential for escalation in the conflict and the risk of nuclear proliferation. Russia has repeatedly voiced concerns about the increasing military support provided to Ukraine by Western nations, and has previously issued warnings about the potential consequences of such assistance. This latest accusation represents a significant escalation in rhetoric, suggesting a heightened level of distrust and animosity between Moscow and its Western counterparts.
The SVR emphasized that the alleged actions by Britain and France would constitute a violation of international law, specifically the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The service further claimed that London and Paris are attempting to conceal their involvement by presenting the potential acquisition of nuclear weapons by Ukraine as a result of independent Ukrainian development.
The accusations come against a backdrop of ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. While details of the recent US-Ukraine peace talks in Geneva remain limited, reports indicate that the discussions were “productive,” suggesting a continued willingness on both sides to explore potential avenues for a negotiated settlement. However, the Russian allegations are likely to further complicate these efforts and could potentially derail any progress made towards a peaceful resolution.
The international community will be closely watching how the United States responds to the Russian allegations. Washington has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, but is expected to address the claims in the coming days. The situation underscores the delicate and volatile nature of the conflict in Ukraine and the urgent need for continued diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service’s claims, while strongly denied by the UK, highlight the deep-seated mistrust and suspicion that characterize the current geopolitical landscape. The potential implications of such allegations – even if unsubstantiated – are far-reaching, raising fundamental questions about nuclear security and the future of international arms control.
