Moscow threatens unprecedented response if Ukraine acquires nuclear weapons
In a significant escalation that could change the course of the war and threaten to expand its scope globally, Moscow issued a stern warning to Western countries against supplying Kyiv with nuclear weapons, considering that such a step would push the world towards a comprehensive nuclear conflict "that will not be regional in any case."
During a session held by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Russia's permanent representative to the organization, Dmitry Polyansky, announced that his country views with great concern what he described as the "dangerous Western trend" towards empowering Ukraine with nuclear capabilities.
He said addressing representatives of Western delegations:
"After Western countries realized that Ukraine's military capabilities are nearing exhaustion, they resolved to provide it with nuclear weapons. Do you understand that the next step is a nuclear conflict, which by definition cannot be regional? Where do you plan to wait for it... on the moon?"
* Alleged secret plans
Polyansky revealed that Russian intelligence recently detected "secret plans from London and Paris" to transfer nuclear weapons to Ukraine and means of delivery in an undisclosed manner, including - according to him - European components, equipment, and technologies in the nuclear field.
He pointed out that one of the proposed options is the French mini-warhead "TN75", used on the M51.1 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, in a move he considered evidence of the seriousness of what is being discussed behind the scenes.
He added that "the elites in France and Britain, who have lost touch with reality, believe that Zelensky, who seized power in Ukraine, can demand more favorable terms to end the fighting if he possesses a nuclear bomb or even what is called a dirty bomb."
He concluded by sending a sharp message: "If there is even a shred of reason left in you, you must stop this military madness as soon as possible."
* "The most dangerous development" in the file
The statements came days after the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service announced that Britain and France are preparing to arm Kyiv with a nuclear bomb, in what was described as the most dangerous development since the outbreak of the war.
For his part, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev warned that Moscow may have to use nuclear weapons if London and Paris proceed to send nuclear technology to Ukraine.
The Federation Council of Russia also called for urgent international and national investigations into these allegations, confirming that any step of this kind - if true - would pose a clear threat to international security and a serious violation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Amid escalating accusations and warnings, the question remains open:
Is the war entering a phase of public nuclear deterrence, or is what is happening merely a war of statements in the major power struggle between Moscow and the West?
