Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced on May 28, 2026, that experts from the five nuclear-weapon states—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—held a confidential meeting in Casablanca, Morocco, several weeks prior. The meeting was organized under the auspices of the United Kingdom, according to Ryabkov's statement reported by Russian state news agency TASS.
Ryabkov described the gathering as a 'useful' exchange of views on strategic stability and nuclear doctrine, but did not provide specific details on the agenda or outcomes. He noted that the meeting was part of ongoing consultations among the P5 nations, which are the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and recognized nuclear-weapon states under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The revelation came as a surprise to many, as no other government had publicly confirmed the meeting. The choice of Casablanca, a neutral location outside the P5 countries, was seen as an effort to facilitate candid discussions. The meeting occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions over nuclear modernization programs and the war in Ukraine.
Analysts suggest that the talks may have focused on risk reduction measures and preventing accidental escalation, though no official communiqué was issued. The lack of transparency has drawn criticism from arms control advocates who call for more regular and public dialogue among nuclear powers.
