Russia warns of direct clash between nuclear powers

MOSCOW: Russia's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday warned of the risk of a direct military confrontation between nuclear powers and the grave consequences such a clash could entail, accusing Britain and France of preparing to secretly supply Ukraine with nuclear weapons parts and technology.

The statement followed allegations earlier in the day by Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), which accused Britain and France of preparing to secretly supply Ukraine with nuclear weapons parts and technology.

The SVR did not provide documentary evidence to support its claim. The French embassy in Moscow told the RBC news outlet the allegation was "an outright lie". There was no immediate comment from Britain.

"We once again warn of the risks of a direct military confrontation between nuclear powers and, accordingly, of its potentially dire consequences," the Foreign Ministry said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow’s adversaries likely understood how any attack on Russia or Russian forces involving a "nuclear element" could conclude.

Putin made the remarks while speaking to the FSB security service, the successor to the Soviet KGB.

Russia updated its nuclear doctrine in 2024, outlining defensive scenarios under which it might consider using nuclear weapons and emphasising their role as a deterrent against adversaries.

Ukraine dismissed as "absurd" the Russian claims that Kyiv was attempting to obtain nuclear weapons with assistance from Britain and France.

"Russian officials, known for their impressive record of lies, are once again trying to fabricate the old 'dirty bomb' nonsense," said Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.

"For the record: Ukraine has already denied such absurd Russian claims many times before, and we officially deny them again now. We urge the international community to reject and condemn Russia's dirty information bombs."