MOSCOW, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Russia on Wednesday expressed concern over France and the United Kingdom's decision to expand their nuclear arsenals, warning of implications for its national security.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a news briefing that London and Paris intend to expand their nuclear arsenals outside international constraints.
Zakharova said the decisions were a continuation of their longstanding policy of avoiding participation in any nuclear arms control agreements.
She noted that the expansion of NATO's nuclear capabilities requires increased attention and "the most careful consideration" in Russia's military development and planning.
The spokesperson also said that Russia is increasingly convinced that any future nuclear arms control arrangements involving Moscow would have to take into account NATO's overall nuclear capability.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced Monday that he has ordered an increase in the number of France's nuclear warheads to strengthen the country's arsenal. The president said he is ready to incorporate "a European dimension" into the French concept of "advanced nuclear deterrence."
European countries, including the UK, have expressed interest in the concept, he added, noting that Paris, London and Berlin will work together on projects involving very long-range missiles, as part of efforts to bolster European defense capabilities. ■
