Russia has issued a fresh warning over the risk of a confrontation between nuclear powers, citing intelligence claims that the United Kingdom and France may be planning to supply Ukraine with nuclear explosive devices or related technology.
In a statement released on Tuesday, February 24, Russia’s Foreign Ministry cautioned that rising tensions could lead to a direct clash between nuclear-armed states.
“We once again warn of the risks of a direct military confrontation between nuclear powers and, accordingly, of its potentially dire consequences,” the ministry said.
The warning follows allegations by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that Britain and France were preparing to supply Ukraine with nuclear weapons components and technology secretly.
Also, the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on Tuesday announced that Russian senators had formally appealed to lawmakers in the UK and France to launch parliamentary investigations into the allegations.
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The appeal was transmitted through diplomatic channels to the UK Parliament, the French Parliament, the European Parliament, the United Nations, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Russian Senators demand UK and France to immediately initiate probe
Chairperson of the Federation Council of Russia, Valentina Matvienko, said:
“Ukraine’s non-nuclear status was one of the key conditions for its recognition as an independent state. This status is not subject to revision. There must be no nuclear weapons.”
The senators, in their statement, said they were “deeply alarmed by the intention of the UK and France to supply Ukraine with nuclear explosive devices.”
They warned that such actions could sharply escalate the conflict and pose serious risks to regional and international security.
“The implementation of such plans would lead to a sharp escalation of the conflict and create direct threats to the security of Russia, as well as to the entire European region,” the statement read.
According to the senators, the populations of Britain and France would also face increased risks if the alleged plans were to materialize.
“The peoples of the UK and France would inevitably be drawn into the risk zone, since London and Paris cannot be unaware that, in accordance with the Nuclear Doctrine of the Russian Federation, aggression by a non-nuclear state with the support of a nuclear power will be regarded as their joint attack,” the statement said.
The senators further warned that the alleged plans could have far-reaching consequences if implemented.
“The irresponsible collusion of the leaders of the UK and France – bypassing national democratic institutions and in violation of established legal procedures – may lead to catastrophic consequences,” the statement added.
They further called on members of the UK House of Commons and House of Lords, as well as deputies of the French National Assembly and members of the French Senate, to initiate investigations and publicly disclose their findings.
“We call on our colleagues – members of the UK House of Commons and House of Lords, as well as deputies of the French National Assembly and members of the French Senate – to immediately initiate appropriate parliamentary investigations and, upon their completion, to inform their citizens and the international community of all the circumstances surrounding this extremely dangerous recklessness,” the statement said.
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The senators also proposed international investigations into the allegations.
“We propose that the UN Security Council, the IAEA, and the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons conduct investigations within the framework of their respective mandates,” the statement added.
UK announces additional support for Ukraine
The warning comes as the United Kingdom announced additional military, humanitarian, and reconstruction support for Ukraine as the war enters its fifth year.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a statement on Tuesday, said the new assistance reflected the continued commitment to Ukraine’s defence.
“On this grim anniversary, our message to the Ukrainian people is simple: Britain is with you, stronger than ever. That is why we are announcing new support today, and we will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes,” Starmer said.
The United Kingdom announced £20 million in emergency funding for Ukraine’s energy sector, bringing total British energy support since the start of the war to more than £490 million.
The package also includes medical mentoring by British military specialists for Ukrainian clinicians, helicopter instructor training for Ukrainian pilots at a UK air base, and continued military support, including air defence assistance and Lightweight Multirole Missiles.
“Ukrainian pilots are now training at a UK air base to become helicopter flying instructors, the first time Britain has offered rotary-wing instructor training to Ukraine. Graduates will train the next generation of Ukrainian military aviators, helping Ukraine to defend and deter,” said the UK Ministry of Defence.
An additional £5.7 million was allocated for humanitarian assistance targeting frontline communities and displaced populations, while £30 million was earmarked for programmes to strengthen Ukrainian societal resilience and support accountability efforts.
At the same time, the British government confirmed that a 70-person headquarters has been established as part of preparations for a future multinational force intended to support Ukraine once peace is secured.
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