Russia hits back at UK move to boost nuclear reserves

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia on Wednesday criticized the UK over a recent decision to increase its nuclear potential.

Referring to a foreign policy document published by Britain on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was "unacceptable" for London to brand Russia as a threat and use this as an excuse for nuclear buildup.

"This is a decision that harms international stability and strategic security. Positioning Russia as a threat is unacceptable for us because it is not true. Russia is not a threat, the increase in the number of warheads is what threatens peace in the entire world," he said.

Peskov pointed out that despite their differences with other countries, Russia continues to urge international talks on arms control and strategic stability, including with the US.

In a 114-page document, titled Global Britain in a competitive age, the UK revealed plans to raise the cap on its stockpile of nuclear warheads from 180 to 260.

The document identifies Russia as the "most acute threat" to the country's security.

It also says the country will shift focus towards Indo-Pacific countries, which it described as the world's "growth engine" and that the UK will work with China where it is consistent with its values and interests although the country poses a great challenge.

According to the document, the UK aims to become a "science and tech superpower" by the end of the decade.

The review also said terrorism would remain the main challenge, pointing out that a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack is likely in the next decade.

It underlines that the US would remain the UK's most important strategic ally and partner, adding the Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Poland were also as strategic partners.
Similarly, the UK will work with other European partners including Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey "on a focused set of interests."