Russia reiterates warning against deployment of nuclear weapons in NATO countries
Moscow, September 15 (KUNA) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry renewed on Tuesday its warning about the repercussions of lifting the ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons in NATO member states, accusing European authorities of attempting to move these weapons to Russia’s borders. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, at a press briefing, affirmed that nuclear weapon deployment sites in NATO countries posing a threat to Russia would become the focus of Russia’s strategic deterrence forces. Zakharova urged European officials to “view the world rationally” and heed Moscow’s “warnings” regarding the spread of nuclear weapons within NATO states.
On the space file, she stated that comments by the U.S. Air Force commander 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 UN member states to support Russian initiatives to ban weapons in outer space, emphasizing 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 Ukraine. 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 “sea ferry” carrying a shipment intended for Ukrainian forces in the port of Chornomorsk, a fuel and lubricants tanker destined for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the port of Izmail, as well as a train at the Yuzhny port while it was loading equipment bound for Ukrainian forces. The ministry stated that strikes continue on railway infrastructure facilities in western Ukraine used to transport military shipments from Europe.
Regarding negotiations on 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 with 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 voting centers 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 membership bid and the exclusion of South Africa.
Regarding Hungary’s decision to expel Russian diplomats, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the response is “forthcoming,” but stressed that it is currently inappropriate to set a date for its implementation. (End) D.A.N. / M.A.A.
