Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, stated that Russia could launch nuclear strikes on France and the UK if they provide Ukraine with nuclear weapons or related technology.
In a Telegram post today, Medvedev 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.”
He added that strikes could target the supplying countries if they become “accomplices in the nuclear conflict with Russia”, describing it as a “proportional response” under Russian doctrine.
Medvedev claimed any such threat would violate the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and “radically changes the situation”, equating it to a direct transfer of nuclear arms to a country at war.
“There cannot be a shred of doubt that in this case, Russia would have to use all weapons, including non-strategic nuclear ones, to strike targets in Ukraine that pose a threat to our country,” he said.
The warning stems from a report by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) released on the same day.
The SVR alleged that the UK and France are preparing to supply Ukraine with nuclear warheads or components, including a compact French design from submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
It was claimed this is intended to strengthen Kyiv’s negotiating position, allowing Ukraine to “aspire to more advantageous terms” for ending hostilities. The weapons would reportedly be disguised as Ukrainian developments to avoid international scrutiny.
The SVR described the plan as a “gross violation of international law”, particularly the NPT, and accused London and Paris of risking the global non-proliferation system.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the SVR’s claims “potentially extremely dangerous” and said they would influence any future negotiations.
Peskov urged parliamentary investigations in the UK and France.
Also today, Russian President Vladimir Putin made related comments during remarks marking Defenders of the Fatherland Day.
“The enemy doesn’t hesitate to use any means. Well, it’s already in the media, probably, their attempts or intentions to use even some kind of nuclear component. They probably understand how this can end,” Putin said.
“Now there is also our operational information coming in; it should be in the media today as well, it probably already is. I haven’t had time to look at anything yet, but we are talking about a possible explosion in our gas systems on the bottom of the Black Sea,” he added.
“These are the so-called TurkStream and Blue Stream. They just can’t calm down.”
The statements coincide with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
They follow the recent expiration of the New START nuclear arms treaty on February 5, ending limits on US and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals.
Analysts note this fits Russia’s pattern of nuclear rhetoric to deter Western aid to Ukraine, amid ongoing battlefield challenges for Russian forces, and Ukraine having reconquered significant pieces of territory.
France and the UK have not issued official responses. Both have previously denied similar allegations and reaffirmed NPT commitments.
The European Commission is considering a 20th sanctions package against Russia, amid reports of economic pressures from the conflict.
Medvedev has a history of nuclear warnings, including in 2023 when he suggested defeat in Ukraine could lead to nuclear war.
Former Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev says there is now nothing to hold Russia back from blowing up “its enemies’ undersea communications cables.” https://t.co/CtAq7DUgcs
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) June 14, 2023
