Russia has accused the United Kingdom and France of planning to provide Ukraine with nuclear capabilities, marking another sharp escalation in rhetoric as the war enters its fourth year. Moscow’s Foreign Intelligence Service claimed London and Paris were considering giving Kyiv a nuclear or “dirty bomb” option to strengthen its position in the conflict.

The UK government quickly denied the allegation, calling it false and an attempt to distract from Russia’s actions in Ukraine. France also rejected the claim, dismissing it as propaganda. Both countries reaffirmed their continued military and humanitarian support for Kyiv but denied any nuclear involvement.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that such a move, if true, would be seen as a joint attack on Russia. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev went further, suggesting Moscow could respond with nuclear measures against Ukraine or any nation involved. Ukrainian officials have described Russia’s statements as intimidation tactics.

Ukraine once possessed nuclear weapons after the collapse of the Soviet Union but gave them up in 1994 under the Budapest Memorandum in exchange for security assurances. Since the invasion began, Russian leaders have repeatedly referenced nuclear options, while Kyiv maintains its focus on security guarantees and international backing.