Russia's capture of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant brought the tactics of using a "

“Now Russia is using the station as a military base to fire on the Ukrainians, knowing that they cannot and will not fire back, because they could accidentally hit a nuclear reactor or a highly radioactive waste storage facility.. Thus, the use of a “human shield” has reached a completely new, terrifying level,” he stressed..

Blinken called for accountability of countries possessing nuclear weapons. In matters of nuclear deterrence, according to the Secretary of State, there should be no place for coercion, intimidation or blackmail.

“We have decided to act with restraint and avoid actions that could inadvertently increase nuclear tensions.. For example, we canceled previously planned tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles and did not begin to raise the level of readiness of our nuclear forces in response to Russian saber-rattling,” the Voice of America quotes the Secretary of State..

Blinken emphasized that every effort should be made to ensure that nuclear weapons were not used.. US, UK and France have unveiled a set of principles to be followed by all responsible nuclear-weapon states.

As a negative example, Blinken noted the actions of Russia, which attacked Ukraine, contrary to the Budapest Memorandum..

Although in exchange for Kyiv's refusal of nuclear weapons, Moscow had to guarantee its safety.

“What message does this send to the rest of the world? They may decide that they need nuclear weapons to protect themselves from encroachments on their territory and independence.. This is the worst possible signal of all,” the Secretary of State explained..

Nevertheless, according to Blinken, the Treaty is valid. Many countries are abandoning nuclear weapons and are switching to the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes..