In a striking revelation, Russian Foreign Ministry ambassador-at-large Andrey Belousov stated that U.S. military strategists are seriously contemplating the use of nuclear arms in Europe.
Belousov, in an interview with 'RT,' remarked that Washington's calls for discussions on Russian non-strategic nuclear weapons aim to 'divert international attention from the U.S. nuclear arsenals deployed in Europe, as well as the nuclear missile programs carried out by the United States.'
The 'Purely Pragmatic' American Approach
He added that Washington's insistence on raising the issue of Russian non-strategic nuclear weapons in multilateral disarmament forums, even though these do not threaten U.S. soil, might suggest that American military planners are evaluating scenarios for using nuclear weapons on the European front.
Furthermore, he warned that acquiring detailed information about Russia's non-strategic nuclear weapons through negotiations or strategic stability discussions might increase the likelihood of the United States and its European allies resorting to nuclear arms.
Lastly, he emphasized the necessity for European nations to understand the risks involved in what he described as America's 'purely pragmatic' approach to the territories of Washington's allies in Europe.
Escalating Tensions
The Russian official's remarks come amid escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington over nuclear arms control and strategic stability issues since the outbreak of the Ukraine war in 2022.
Russia accuses the United States of deploying tactical nuclear weapons in several NATO member European countries, while Washington calls for greater transparency regarding Russia's non-strategic nuclear arsenal.
Disagreements have also increased following the suspension of key arms control treaties and agreements, raising concerns over the diminishing nuclear arms controls in Europe.