Medvedev Warns Russia Could Use Tactical Nuclear Weapons if France or UK Give Ukraine a Nuclear Deterrence

Medvedev Issues Nuclear Warning Over Alleged Arms Transfers

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Feb. 24 that Russia would consider using tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine and potentially against France and the United Kingdom if the two NATO members were to provide Kyiv with nuclear weapons technology. Medvedev, who serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, made the remarks on Telegram on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

He stated that any transfer of nuclear weapons or related delivery systems to Ukraine would “radically change the situation” and constitute a violation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Under such circumstances, he said, Russia would use “any means necessary,” including non-strategic nuclear weapons, against targets in Ukraine and, if required, against supplier countries.

Russian Intelligence Allegations

Medvedev’s comments followed claims by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that France and the United Kingdom are “actively working” to provide Ukraine with nuclear weapons capabilities to secure leverage in potential peace negotiations. According to Russian intelligence, discussions allegedly include the possible transfer of French TN75 small-size warheads designed for the M51.1 submarine-launched ballistic missile, as well as associated delivery systems.

Russian officials have not presented evidence to substantiate these claims. Yuri Ushakov, a senior Kremlin aide, said that any Ukrainian attempt to obtain nuclear weapons would influence Moscow’s stance in peace talks and that the United States would be informed of the alleged developments.

Denials From Kyiv, London, and Paris

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi rejected the allegations, calling them “absurd” in comments reported by Reuters. A U.K. defense official also dismissed the claims, describing them as unfounded and characterizing the statements as an attempt to deflect attention from Russia’s military challenges.

The French government responded publicly on social media, criticizing Moscow’s assertions and implying they were intended to shift focus from the prolonged conflict. Neither London nor Paris has indicated any intention to provide Ukraine with nuclear weapons or related technologies.

Nuclear Rhetoric Amid Stalled Diplomacy

Moscow has previously accused Kyiv of pursuing nuclear capabilities, including claims about potential “dirty bomb” attacks, without providing supporting evidence. Russian officials, including Medvedev, have repeatedly issued warnings about possible nuclear escalation involving Ukraine and its Western allies.

The latest exchange comes as diplomatic efforts led by the United States over the past year have not produced a breakthrough toward a ceasefire. Russia continues to press territorial demands while rejecting proposed ceasefire frameworks.

Ukraine relinquished the Soviet-era nuclear weapons stationed on its territory under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, in which Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom provided security assurances in exchange for Kyiv’s accession to the NPT as a non-nuclear-weapon state. Ukrainian officials have consistently stated that the country does not seek to acquire nuclear arms.

The renewed nuclear rhetoric underscores heightened tensions as the conflict enters its fifth year, with both military operations and diplomatic negotiations remaining at an impasse.