Russia accuses Ukraine of seeking nuclear arms with help from UK and France
South China Morning Post
by ReutersFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Russia has accused Ukraine of attempting to acquire nuclear weapons with the assistance of the United Kingdom and France, a claim strongly denied by Kyiv. The allegations were made in a statement from Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service, which claimed that Western allies believe Ukraine could secure more favorable terms to end the war if it possessed a nuclear weapon or a "dirty bomb." However, both British and French officials dismissed these accusations as "blatant disinformation," with no evidence provided by Russia to support its claims.
Ukraine has consistently maintained that it does not seek to reacquire nuclear weapons and adheres to international treaties. President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized Kyiv's decision in the 1990s to relinquish its Soviet-era nuclear arsenal without obtaining binding security guarantees, but he has repeatedly stated that Ukraine does not aim to restart a nuclear program.
The situation raises significant concerns about regional stability and the potential for escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The allegations also highlight tensions between Western nations and Russia over Ukraine's security and military capabilities. If proven true, such actions could destabilize efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation and further complicate already strained relations between global powers.
This matter is crucial for readers interested in world affairs as it underscores the delicate balance of power in Eastern Europe and the broader implications for international security. The accusations and denials reflect deeper divides over Ukraine's sovereignty and the role of Western support, making this a key issue to monitor in the ongoing conflict.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/24/2026