Russian intelligence claims that France and the United Kingdom allegedly plan to transfer nuclear weapons to Ukraine. The agency also announced a criminal investigation against Telegram founder Pavel Durov under charges of aiding terrorist activity.
TASS and Reuters reported the claims, citing Russian security services and official sources.
Russian Intelligence Alleges “Transfer” of Nuclear Weapons
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) asserts that Paris and London are allegedly considering supplying Ukraine with nuclear technologies and components, disguising the transfer as Ukrainian development. Russian intelligence specifically mentioned:
“One option under consideration is the French compact TN75 warhead from the M51.1 submarine-launched ballistic missile.”
Russian media claim that such actions could allow the West to avoid responsibility under international nuclear non-proliferation agreements. France, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine have not officially commented on these claims.
France and the U.K. are the only nuclear-armed countries in Europe. Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal in 1994 under the Budapest Memorandum, receiving security guarantees in return.
Russia Opens Criminal Case Against Pavel Durov
Separately, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported that authorities investigate Pavel Durov under charges of aiding terrorist activity, based on materials from Russia’s FSB. The publication quoted officials:
“The illusion of anonymity brought an army of radicals, drug users, killers, and terrorists into the messenger, creating threats to our society.”
Russian state media link Telegram to various crimes and claim that foreign intelligence agencies allegedly use the platform.
Context
Russia previously imposed restrictions on Telegram. Roskomnadzor claimed the messenger facilitated personal data leaks, though the company denied these allegations.
In August 2024, authorities in France detained Pavel Durov in connection with unrelated criminal charges, unrelated to the Russian investigation.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Russian intelligence uses a recruitment network from the former Wagner group to organize sabotage operations across Europe.
