Russia flags France, UK nuclear programs ahead of strategic talks

Russia has emphasized that any future dialogue on strategic stability must account for the nuclear capabilities of France and the United Kingdom, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said.

Ryabkov highlighted Moscow’s concerns regarding the modernization programs of Washington’s closest European allies., Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“We are concerned about what is happening with the nuclear capabilities of the United States’ closest allies in Europe — the United Kingdom and France, which have modernization programs both in terms of delivery systems and, to some extent, warheads,” he said.

Ryabkov also noted that Paris is considering the release of an updated nuclear doctrine in the near future. “We will see what may be included in that document. Therefore, it is obvious to us that any process of dialogue on strategic stability that may occur in the future must necessarily take these circumstances into account,” he added.

By Vafa Guliyeva