Russia has issued a strong warning that it may consider using non-strategic nuclear weapons if Western countries provide Ukraine with nuclear weapons or related technology. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and former president, stated via the Max Messenger app that Russian intelligence indicates Britain and France are planning to transfer nuclear technology to Ukraine. He said such a move would dramatically alter the ongoing war and that Russia reserves the right to use any necessary weapons, including nuclear ones, to protect its security. Medvedev also warned that countries supplying such weapons could become potential targets.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that preventing nuclear proliferation in Europe is crucial amid the current conflict. He said transferring nuclear weapons or technology to Ukraine would clearly violate international law and nuclear non-proliferation agreements. Earlier, Russia’s foreign intelligence agency SVR alleged that Britain and France were showing interest in supplying nuclear weapons to Ukraine to strengthen Kyiv’s position in peace talks.

No immediate official response was reported from Britain, France, or Ukraine regarding these allegations.