Ryabkov pointed to the growing interest in nuclear weapons in Europe.

More and more of the United States' allies in Europe are allowing the development of their own nuclear capabilities, which could destroy the nuclear nonproliferation regime. This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov at a meeting of the international Trialog club.

"The number of non-nuclear allies of the United States is growing, who allow themselves to cherish the idea of obtaining their own nuclear potential. This is extremely provocative and destructive for the nuclear nonproliferation regime, especially since it happens without any apparent objections from Washington and the European capitals of nuclear countries," he is quoted as saying on the website of the PIR Center.

According to him, Russia strictly adheres to the moratorium on nuclear tests, which was established in 1990. At the same time, Ryabkov declared Russia's readiness to give an "adequate and proportionate" response if the United States or other countries nevertheless begin testing nuclear weapons.

Nuclear detente: Russia is ready for dialogue with the Americans on a new START treaty

A conversation involving the five owners of the largest arsenals of such weapons is still unlikely.

On the same day, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko noted that against the background of France's intentions to deploy nuclear weapons on the territory of non-nuclear European countries, Russian military personnel would have to take this into account when compiling lists of targets in case of a possible conflict.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on April 8 that Russia was noting an explosive surge in interest from European countries in the topic of nuclear weapons, and the dynamics of recent months were depressing. She also stated that the "pro-nuclear" movement of European countries leads to the erosion and weakening of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.