Wayne Lumbasi
Russia has escalated its rhetoric in the conflict with Ukraine by accusing Ukraine of attempting to obtain nuclear weapons with alleged assistance from the United Kingdom and France, claims both Western powers and Ukraine have denied as unfounded and without evidence.
The allegations were publicised on 24 February 2026, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the fullscale military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) released a statement asserting that the United Kingdom and France were working to provide Kyiv with a nuclear weapon, or at least components and technology associated with nuclear arms, under the belief this would strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position in ending hostilities.
The SVR also suggested that Kyiv might seek a “dirty bomb” or similar device. No independent evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims.
Russian officials have characterised the alleged plan as a flagrant violation of international law and the global nuclear nonproliferation regime, pointing to treaties such as the Treaty on the NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Kremlin spokespeople indicated that such developments would influence Russia’s stance in ongoing negotiations regarding the conflict.
Ukraine strongly rejected the accusations, describing them as absurd and part of a pattern of disinformation. Ukrainian officials reiterated that the country remains committed to international nonproliferation agreements and has no intention of acquiring nuclear weapons, having relinquished its Sovietera arsenal in the 1990s. Ukrainian authorities also called on the broader international community to condemn what they described as a misleading campaign.
Representatives from both the United Kingdom and France issued firm denials of the allegations. A spokesman for the French foreign ministry derided the claims as “blatant disinformation,” while the British government reiterated that there is “no truth to this,” emphasising their commitment to global nonproliferation norms. Independent analysts have noted that there is no corroborating evidence that either country is moving to transfer nuclear weapons or capabilities to Ukraine.
The broader context of the accusations comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the war, which has drawn significant international involvement and support for Ukraine from Western countries.
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