(MENAFN) The Kremlin has criticized what it calls the West’s growing nuclear militarization following reports that the United States has deployed tactical nuclear weapons to the United Kingdom. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that the current climate of rising tensions makes it inappropriate to convene a summit of the five permanent UN Security Council nuclear powers – Russia, China, the US, UK, and France – an idea previously proposed by President Vladimir Putin in 2020.

Peskov told reporters that Russia’s relevant agencies are closely monitoring the situation and taking measures to safeguard national security. However, he stressed that the environment is not conducive to dialogue, citing a clear “trend toward escalation and militarization, including nuclear.”

The remarks follow media reports, including from The Times and The War Zone, which claimed that the US recently deployed B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bombs to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk. The reports were based on flight data indicating that a US C-17 transport aircraft flew from Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico to the UK last Thursday and did not return, suggesting a delivery mission.

If verified, this would mark the first time since 2008 that American nuclear weapons have been stationed on British soil. RAF Lakenheath was a known site for US nuclear arms during the Cold War. So far, neither US nor UK officials have commented publicly on the alleged deployment.

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