Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) alleges the EU is secretly planning to develop its own nuclear weapons, with Germany taking the lead.
Russia Levels Serious Accusations Against the EU
Russia has launched a strong accusation, alleging that the European Union is engaged in a clandestine operation to develop its own nuclear capabilities. Moscow claims that EU member states have already made decisions regarding the production of nuclear weapons, with Germany playing a central role.
Russian officials assert they aim to mobilize global opposition to the EU, even appealing to the United States for collaboration against the bloc. They present the alleged nuclear program as a pretext for international scrutiny of Brussels’ actions.
Kremlin’s Propaganda and the SVR’s Role
Russian propaganda is known for its shifting narratives, often alternating between nuclear threats and portraying Russia as a victim. The latest effort involves the SVR, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, which has issued a formal warning.
EU’s Alleged Pursuit of Independent Nuclear Capabilities
The SVR claims the EU intends to create its own nuclear potential, going beyond the existing nuclear arsenals of France and the United Kingdom. Moscow suggests discussions about extending the French nuclear umbrella and maintaining US nuclear bombs in Europe are merely a smokescreen.
According to the SVR, “Brussels is demonstrating its commitment to the traditional course, which relies on the American ‘nuclear umbrella’ to buy time for the discreet development of its own nuclear weapons industry and prepare public opinion for a political decision on acquiring nuclear weapons.”
Russia Points to European Nuclear Infrastructure
Despite deploying nuclear weapons to Belarus and positioning delivery systems near the Polish border in the Kaliningrad region, Russia alleges that conceptual work on a pan-European nuclear deterrence doctrine has begun within the EU. This doctrine would initially rely on the expertise of France and the United Kingdom, with other nations funding the project.
Germany Accused of Rapid Plutonium Production
Russia specifically accuses Germany of being a key player, alleging it could rapidly produce weapons-grade plutonium and uranium. The SVR claims German specialists could produce enough plutonium for a single explosive device within a month at research laboratories in Karlsruhe, Dresden, Erlangen, and Jülich, and enough uranium within a week at the Gronau enrichment plant.
Russia Calls for US Intervention
Russia is appealing to the United States and other countries to prevent the EU from developing its own nuclear weapons, warning that such a move would inevitably trigger a new global arms race. Russia positions itself as a peacemaker in this scenario.
Europe’s Shifting Perspective on Nuclear Deterrence
Europe, having previously trusted Russia’s assurances, now recognizes the discrepancy between its words and actions. The topic of nuclear deterrence has gained prominence in political discussions in recent years.
France initiated discussions on a European nuclear doctrine six years ago, calling for joint exercises and dialogue, but received no immediate response. In 2025, with Donald Trump’s presence in Washington, the UK expressed openness to nuclear cooperation, culminating in the Northwood Declaration with France and British participation in French nuclear simulations.
Germany’s Growing Support for Nuclear Talks
Germany joined the discussions in February 2026, with Chancellor Merz acknowledging preliminary nuclear talks with France and the UK, while denying any intention of independently acquiring nuclear weapons. A December 2025 poll indicates 75% of Germans support Franco-German discussions on nuclear deterrence.
SVR’s Accusations and Propaganda Tactics
The SVR’s statement reiterates well-known events, embellished with conjecture and propaganda. It also includes personal attacks and accusations reminiscent of those directed at Ukraine.
The SVR alleges, “Ursula von der Leyen and her associates apparently consider the role of instigators of the Ukrainian conflict to be too modest. They dream of the infamous glory of Nazi Germany’s leaders, who unleashed World War II.”
