MOSCOW/UNITED NATIONS, – Russia accused the United Kingdom and France of threatening the entire nuclear non-proliferation regime after intelligence uncovered that the two countries are preparing to provide Kyiv with related weapons.
“This information is extremely important,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday, calling it a gross violation of international legal norms, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and saying Russia would factor it into its position in negotiations on Ukraine.
Earlier, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said that London and Paris were considering transferring nuclear weapons or related capabilities to Kyiv, as they see little chance of achieving what they describe as victory over Russia through the Ukrainian armed forces alone. The agency added that Germany had declined to join what it called a “dangerous venture”.
The agency also said London and Paris are working on arrangements to provide such weapons and delivery systems, including the covert transfer of European nuclear-related components and technologies.
Protection for defense officials
Also on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the Federal Security Service (FSB) to enhance the security of officials from the country’s Ministry of Defense and the military-industrial complex.
The reinforcement of protection also covers representatives of state and municipal authorities, and workers in the education and social sectors, particularly in Russia’s historical and border regions, Putin said at an FSB board meeting.
Furthermore, the Russian president instructed counterintelligence services to step up their work in the rear areas of the Special Military Operation zone.
He added that a package of additional measures must be adopted to ensure a faster and more effective response, including strengthening counterterrorism protection for energy and transport infrastructure and public gathering points, as well as maximizing the security of critical facilities.
‘Open to political solution’
Meanwhile, spokesperson for Kremlin Peskov said Russia remains committed to resolving the ongoing Ukraine crisis through political and diplomatic efforts.
“We continue efforts for peace. Our position is well known and consistent. Now everything depends on the actions of Kyiv,” Peskov said, adding that Russia’s special military operation will continue until its goals are achieved.
Peskov also noted that the operation has effectively turned into a broader confrontation between Russia and Western countries following “the direct involvement by Western European states and the United States.”
UN resolution calling for immediate ceasefire
In another development, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution on the Ukraine crisis, calling for “an immediate and unconditional ceasefire” and “comprehensive, just and lasting peace”.
The draft resolution, prepared by Ukraine and a number of European countries, was adopted with 107 in favor, 12 against and 51 abstentions at the UNGA’s 11th Emergency Special Session, on the 4th anniversary of the Ukraine crisis.
The United States was among the countries that abstained from voting, and Russia voted against the draft resolution.
The resolution, saying it was committed to “the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders”, does not have a legally binding force.