Russia has announced that its objectives in Ukraine have not “been fully achieved” as the war marks its fourth anniversary. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called for the full occupation of eastern Ukraine, “ensuring security of people who lived and live” in the region.
He pinpointed this as Russia's main goal in the war, which it is open to achieving by “political and diplomatic means”. Peskov added: “But goals have not been fully achieved so special military operation continues. Is there still hope that conflict can be ended through talks? This hope has not left us from the very beginning…
“Our position is well understood and consistent. Now everything depends on the actions of the Kyiv regime.”
If France and the UK provide Kyiv with nuclear weapons technology “to secure more favorable terms” in negotiations to end the war, Russia would be forced to strike, former president Dmitry Medvedev said.
He argued that the move would “radically change the situation” and violate the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
The deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council wrote on Telegram that Russia would use non-strategic nuclear weapons “against targets in Ukraine” and “the supplier countries”.
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He said: “There can be no shadow of a doubt that Russia, under such circumstances, would have to use any means necessary, including non-strategic nuclear weapons, against targets in Ukraine that pose a threat to our country.
“And if necessary, against the supplier countries as well, which would become accomplices in a nuclear conflict with Russia.”
This comes after Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claimed that the UK and France are “actively working” to send nuclear weapons and delivery systems to Ukraine.
Reportedly under consideration is the French TN75 small-size warhead from the M51.1 submarine-launched ballistic missile, although the SVR provided no evidence to back this up.
Downing Street dismissed the allegation, with the Prime Minister's official spokesperson saying: “This is a clear attempt by Vladimir Putin to distract from his heinous actions in Ukraine. There is no truth to this.”