Moscow has issued a stark warning regarding the potential risk of a direct military conflict between nuclear powers should Ukraine be equipped with nuclear capabilities. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that any moves to supply Ukraine with nuclear technology, particularly from Western nations like the UK and France, would trigger a 'resolute response' from Russia. This comes in the wake of claims made by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that the UK and France are considering enabling Ukraine's acquisition of nuclear capacity through various means.

The report from the SVR suggests that there are discussions in London and Paris regarding the provision of materials that could allow Ukraine to either develop dirty bombs or possibly obtain nuclear warheads from their own reserves. The Kremlin perceives these actions as extremely dangerous, potentially damaging global security. Zakharova warned that these covert transfers, coupled with an accompanying information campaign, would falsely present a nuclear device as an indigenous Ukrainian development.

This development reflects heightened tensions in the region, with Russia viewing such actions as aggressive provocations. The implication of such military posturing underscores the fragile nature of international relations surrounding nuclear armament and the potential for catastrophic consequences if these tensions escalate into military conflict.