MOSCOW/KYIV: Russia’s Foreign Ministry warned of the risk of a direct clash between nuclear powers and the severe consequences such a clash could bring. The warning followed an accusation from Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that Britain and France were preparing to secretly supply Ukraine with nuclear weapons parts and technology.
The SVR did not provide evidence, and the French embassy in Moscow called the claim “an outright lie.” There was no immediate comment from Britain.“We once again warn of the risks of a direct military confrontation between nuclear powers and, accordingly, of its potentially dire consequences,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine as Russia’s invasion entered its fifth year. Tuesday marked the anniversary of the conflict, which has killed hundreds of thousands and devastated much of Ukraine.
Hungary recently vetoed new EU sanctions against Russia and blocked a €90 billion loan critical to Ukraine’s survival. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly urged Kyiv’s allies to tighten sanctions on Moscow and supply more weapons, while Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no signs of ending the war.
G7 leaders, including US President Donald Trump, issued a statement reaffirming their “unwavering support for Ukraine” and backing efforts to initiate a peace process through direct discussions between Ukraine and Russia.
They emphasized that only Ukraine and Russia can reach a peace agreement in good faith.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visited Kyiv for the anniversary.
Von der Leyen confirmed the EU would deliver the €90 billion loan to Ukraine.On the battlefield, Russian forces are making minor gains while continuing missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, damaging the energy system.
In televised comments, Putin accused Ukraine of undermining the stalled peace process, which is complicated by disputes over territory and control of Europe’s largest nuclear plant.
Russia demands Ukraine cede the final 20% of Donetsk, while Kyiv refuses to relinquish land defended at great human cost.In his morning address, Zelensky stated, “We cannot, we must not, give it away, forget it, betray it.” The mood in Kyiv remained subdued, with a small ceremony held to honor the fallen.
