Russia, China and the United States opposed war between nuclear powers

Russia, China, the US, Britain and France consider it their "primary responsibility" to prevent war between nuclear-weapon states, the countries said in a joint statement posted on the Kremlin's website.

It notes that "there can be no winners in a nuclear war and that it must never be unleashed." “Because the use of nuclear weapons would have far-reaching consequences, we also reaffirm that nuclear weapons - as long as they continue to exist - should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression and prevent war. We believe that the further proliferation of such weapons must be prevented,” the statement emphasizes.

It also states that the countries emphasize "the importance of maintaining and respecting our bilateral and multilateral agreements and commitments in the field of non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control." “We intend to continue to seek bilateral and multilateral diplomatic approaches to avoid military confrontation, enhance stability and predictability, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and prevent an arms race that benefits no one and threatens all,” the statement reads. .

The statement was prepared at the initiative of Russia, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. According to her, the publication of the text was expected in conjunction with the beginning of the X Conference to review the operation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which was supposed to open on January 4 in New York, but was postponed due to the worsening epidemiological situation in the United States. “Nevertheless,” Zakharova added, “given the importance and self-sufficiency of this joint statement, the nuclear powers have decided not to delay its publication” ( quoted by TASS). Moscow expects that the approval of the statement will help reduce the level of international tension and curb the arms race, she stressed.