Russia Reiterates Warning Against Deploying Nuclear Weapons in NATO Countries

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs renewed yesterday its warning about the repercussions of lifting the ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries, accusing European authorities of attempting to move these weapons to Russia’s borders.

Maria Zakharova, the ministry’s spokesperson, emphasized during a press briefing that nuclear weapon deployment sites in NATO countries that threaten Russia would become the focus of Russia’s strategic deterrence forces. She urged European officials to “view the world rationally” and heed Moscow’s “warnings” regarding the spread of nuclear weapons within NATO member states.

On the space issue, Zakharova stated that comments by the commander of the U.S. Air Force regarding his country’s possession of orbital weapons confirm, in Moscow’s assessment, that Washington intends to use them in combat operations. The Russian Foreign Ministry called on United Nations member states to support Russian initiatives to ban weapons in outer space, stressing the need for immediate measures to prevent an arms race in this domain.

Regarding Ukraine, the ministry described media reports about a Russian attack on a train carrying Western officials as “mere allegations and an exaggerated campaign” aimed at rallying military support for Kyiv. It affirmed that Russia has always adhered to ceasefire agreements when declared in the zone of the special military operation, whereas “Kyiv has not complied.”

In this context, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced in an official statement that it targeted a cargo ship carrying supplies for Ukrainian forces in the port of Chornomorsk, a fuel and lubricants tanker destined for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the port of Izmail, and a train at the Yuzhnyi port while it was being loaded with equipment bound for Ukrainian troops. The ministry stated that strikes continue on railway infrastructure facilities in western Ukraine used to transport military shipments from Europe.

On negotiations regarding Ukraine, Zakharova said that the scope of potential negotiation platforms is not limited to three parties.

On Russian-Armenian relations, Moscow announced its readiness to discuss expanding military cooperation with Yerevan, affirming that the Russian military base in Gyumri constitutes a “fundamental pillar” of Armenia’s security and has no alternative. It stressed that Russia intends to honor its agreements with Armenia regarding the Gyumri base, expecting Yerevan to follow suit.

Concerning Moldova, Moscow expressed hope that Chisinau would not take any “illegal” steps regarding the opening of polling stations in Transnistria for the Russian State Duma elections.

On Russian-U.S. relations, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that beginning discussions on the prospects for trade relations with Washington is essential, but opponents of resuming ties between the two countries in the United States are seeking to obstruct this. It added that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s participation in the Group of Twenty (G20) foreign ministers’ meeting in the United States is “under consideration.” Moscow strongly condemned what it described as U.S. conduct within the group, including its support for Poland’s bid to join and the exclusion of South Africa.

Regarding Hungary’s decision to expel Russian diplomats, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said a response is “coming,” but stressed that it is currently inappropriate to set a date for its implementation.