Lavrov assures that the transfer of F-16 fighters to Ukraine will be considered a nuclear threat from the West

MADRID, 13 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has assured that the transfer of F-16 fighters to Ukraine will be considered a "nuclear threat from the West" due to the ability of these planes to carry nuclear weapons.

"The very fact of the appearance of these systems in the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be considered a threat from the West in the nuclear field. The United States and the NATO satellite countries create the risk of a direct armed confrontation with Russia, which would bring catastrophic consequences," Lavrov said during an interview with the Russian portal Lenta.ru.

In addition, Lavrov has informed the United States, the United Kingdom and France (three nuclear powers) that Russia "cannot ignore" the fact that these planes can carry nuclear weapons.

"The conditions for the use of Russian nuclear weapons are clearly defined in our military doctrine. They are well known, and I will not repeat them again," the minister said.

The Russian authorities have repeated on numerous occasions that Russian military doctrine contemplates the use of nuclear weapons only in case there is "a risk to the existence of Russia", and that they would not be the first to use them.