Russia says US seriously considering use of nuclear weapons in Europe

WASHINGTON, United States — Russia's Foreign Ministry Special Ambassador Andrey Belousov said U.S. military strategists are seriously considering the possibility of using nuclear weapons in Europe. Belousov said Washington's insistence on the issue of Russia's short-range nuclear weapons, which he said do not threaten U.S. territory, reinforces that assessment. The Russian diplomat argued that obtaining information about Russia's short-range nuclear capabilities through what he described as "intrusive transparency" practices would increase the likelihood of U.S. and allied nuclear weapons use on European territory. He said the approach poses a serious security risk across the continent. Belousov said Washington's policies are aimed at weakening Russia's nuclear deterrence and increasing pressure on Moscow. He called on Europe to understand the gravity of what he described as the dangerous policy being pursued by the United States.