Russia’s envoy Vassily Nebenzia. Photo courtesy of Anadolu.
Russia accused the United Kingdom and France on Tuesday of planning to deliver nuclear weapons or a so-called dirty bomb to Ukraine, while claiming European nations are prolonging the conflict.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council session on Ukraine, Russia’s envoy Vassily Nebenzia cited a report from Moscow’s domestic intelligence agency.
Nebenzia said that on February 24, the press bureau of Russia’s domestic intelligence published a report about London and Paris preparing to supply Kyiv with nuclear weapons or a so-called dirty bomb, including related equipment and technology.
He added that such actions would breach international law, describing the plans as reckless, dangerous, and a direct violation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Nebenzia also accused European countries of supporting Ukraine only as long as it remains in conflict with Russia, saying Europe clearly provides security assurances to Ukraine only while Kyiv continues its war against the Russian Federation.
The UK quickly rejected the claims. Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty called the allegation an outright lie and affirmed that the United Kingdom would not provide nuclear weapons to Ukraine.
France also dismissed the accusations. Its UN envoy Jerome Bonnafont described the claim as a gross violation and an attempt at disinformation, confirming France’s commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braze warned that Russia’s war has global consequences, saying countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East are not safe from Russia’s imperial ambitions and urging governments to protect their citizens.