Europe is arming itself for Ukraine – and Moscow is warning of the consequences. Russia is accusing Western states of militarism and is again indirectly threatening to use nuclear weapons if Russia finds itself exposed to hostile actions.

The Kremlin has accused European countries of open militarism and once again hinted at the possible use of nuclear weapons. European countries are spending vast sums on weapons to further fuel the war in Ukraine, said Kremlin spokesman Peskov."Against the backdrop of such an emotional state on the European continent, bordering on insanity, it is extremely difficult to predict anything," he said, according to Russian news agencies.

At the same time, he recalled the recently rewritten Russian nuclear doctrine. It clearly states that even the"incitement" of non-nuclear states to hostile acts against Russia by nuclear powers is considered aggression. Nuclear powers in Europe are Great Britain and France. Since the beginning of the war of aggression against Ukraine ordered by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, the Russian leadership has repeatedly issued nuclear threats to deter the West from providing greater support to the invaded country.

Although Russia has so far shown no willingness to compromise in the negotiations with Ukraine over an end to the war, Peskov again blamed the neighboring country for the stalled talks. He called on all states to encourage the Ukrainians to engage in new negotiations, he said. The most recent round of negotiations between the warring parties took place in mid-June in Istanbul, where a prisoner exchange was agreed upon. No date for new talks has yet been set – according to Moscow, Kyiv has not made any such proposals.

dpa/ceb