https://sputnikglobe.com/20260421/nuclear-buildup-by-uk-france-leads-to-arms-race---russian-foreign-ministry-1124016976.html
UK-France Nuclear Buildup to Spark New Arms Race, Russian MFA Warns
UK-France Nuclear Buildup to Spark New Arms Race, Russian MFA Warns
Sputnik International
The buildup of nuclear potential by the United Kingdom and France is leading to an escalating nuclear arms race and is inconsistent with the goals of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in an interview with Sputnik.
2026-04-21T03:59+0000
2026-04-21T03:59+0000
2026-04-21T09:45+0000
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According to the diplomat, France's new doctrinal approaches are in many ways reminiscent of Washington's "extended nuclear deterrence" in the Asia-Pacific region, and they also openly postulate plans to become "an aid to NATO's joint nuclear missions." "Such steps are consistent with the general pattern of provocative military-nuclear activity by NATO countries, directed against our nation. The UK previously announced an expansion of its nuclear capabilities, also under anti-Russian slogans. This in itself leads to an escalation of the arms race, which not only is inconsistent with the goals of the NPT but also directly contradicts the treaty's direct obligations," Grushko pointed out. He added that the French authorities framed the situation as if their updated doctrine of "advanced nuclear deterrence"—which includes abandoning transparency about the number of nuclear warheads and leaving open the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons on the territory of other EU and NATO states—would actually strengthen the security of France and its allies."In reality, they are dealing yet another blow to regional and global security, while creating additional strategic risks and incentives for a new nuclear arms race," he concluded.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20260420/frances-new-nuclear-strategy-to-weaken-security-in-europe---russian-foreign-ministry-1124013374.html
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UK-France Nuclear Buildup to Spark New Arms Race, Russian MFA Warns
03:59 GMT 21.04.2026 (Updated: 09:45 GMT 21.04.2026) The United Kingdom and France are building up their nuclear potential, a move that Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko cautioned, when speaking to Sputnik, is escalating the nuclear arms race and undermining the objectives of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
According to the diplomat, France's new doctrinal approaches are in many ways reminiscent of Washington's "extended nuclear deterrence" in the Asia-Pacific region, and they also openly postulate plans to become "an aid to NATO's joint nuclear missions."
"Such steps are consistent with the general pattern of provocative military-nuclear activity by NATO countries, directed against our nation. The UK previously announced an expansion of its nuclear capabilities, also under anti-Russian slogans. This in itself leads to an escalation of the arms race, which not only is inconsistent with the goals of the NPT but also directly contradicts the treaty's direct obligations," Grushko pointed out.
He added that the French authorities framed the situation as if their updated doctrine of "advanced nuclear deterrence"—which includes abandoning transparency about the number of nuclear warheads and leaving open the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons on the territory of other EU and NATO states—would actually strengthen the security of France and its allies.
"In reality, they are dealing yet another blow to regional and global security, while creating additional strategic risks and incentives for a new nuclear arms race," he concluded.
