Moscow is asserting new allegations against the West, specifically accusing the United Kingdom and France of planning to secretly transfer nuclear weapons to Ukraine. This claim, made by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, is presented as a serious breach of international law and is reportedly rooted in information from Russian intelligence. Peskov suggests that such an action would enable Ukraine to negotiate from a stronger position in ongoing conflicts, further escalating tensions in the region.

However, analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have challenged Moscow's narrative, stating the claims lack evidence and are seen as a strategic move to justify the protracted war against Ukraine. They argue that the Kremlin intends to create a sense of nuclear fear among its adversaries while simultaneously distracting the Russian public from its own military setbacks and failures on the battlefield. This strategy appears to be aimed at conditioning citizens for another round of unpopular mobilizations as losses continue to mount.

In this environment, the Kremlin’s rhetoric serves multiple purposes; not only does it attempt to reinforce the perception of an external threat, but it also aims to unify domestic support against perceived aggressors. The implications of such accusations could exacerbate the existing geopolitical tensions and complicate any potential diplomatic negotiations, as both sides may feel further entrenched in their positions, wary of escalated military actions.