Russia has threatened to use nuclear weapons in the Ukraine conflict, with Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, warning that Moscow could target Ukraine or countries seen as supporting a nuclear escalation.

Medvedev’s warning followed claims by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service that the United Kingdom and France plan to transfer nuclear capabilities to Ukraine, which he said would escalate the war dangerously.

He stated on Telegram that Russia could respond with “symmetrical” measures, including non-strategic nuclear strikes on Ukrainian targets perceived as threats, asserting the country’s right to protect its security.

Medvedev also cautioned that any nations involved in supplying nuclear weapons to Ukraine could be considered participants in a nuclear confrontation, raising tensions in the ongoing war.