Russia accuses Ukraine of seeking nuclear weapons with NATO backing

Russia has accused Ukraine of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons with the assistance of NATO countries, specifically Britain and France. Kyiv has dismissed the claims as ‘absurd lies’, while Paris described them as blatant disinformation. London has also denied any involvement in such a project.

Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, or SVR, said Ukraine could secure more favourable terms for ending the war if it possessed a nuclear device or a so-called ‘dirty bomb’.

Ukraine, however, has repeatedly stressed that it abides by international agreements and is not seeking to restore the nuclear arsenal it relinquished in the 1990s.

Moscow has also warned of the risk of direct confrontation between nuclear powers. According to the Kremlin, the United States will be informed of the allegations, which it says could influence negotiations to end the war.

(reuters, mja)