“`html
SERGEI ILNITSKY / POOL / AFP
- Vladimir Putin has reacted to comments made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding nuclear armament.
- Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine might pursue nuclear weapons if NATO membership remains unattainable.
- The Ukrainian leader later clarified his statements.
Putin’s Strong Reaction to Zelenskyy’s Nuclear Remarks
In a recent statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized the remarks made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about nuclear capabilities as a ”provocative and dangerous act.”
This response was triggered by Zelenskyy’s assertion that Ukraine would consider acquiring nuclear weapons should its aspirations for NATO membership not materialize. During an address at the European Council summit in Brussels, he referenced the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which saw Ukraine relinquish its Soviet-era nuclear arsenal in exchange for security guarantees from other nations.
Zelenskyy’s Position on Nuclear Weapons
“Who gave up their nuclear arms? Not everyone. It was Ukraine. Who is currently engaged in conflict? It’s Ukraine,” stated Zelenskyy during his speech. He further emphasized, “Either we will possess nuclear weapons for our defense or we must establish some form of alliance. Currently, apart from NATO, we are unaware of any effective alliances.”
In response to these comments on Friday, Putin warned: “Any movement towards this will provoke an appropriate reaction.” He firmly stated that Russia would not permit such developments under any circumstances.
Zelenskyy’s Clarification
Following the backlash from his initial remarks, Zelenskyy sought to clarify his position during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: “We have never indicated that we are preparing to develop or acquire nuclear weapons.” He urged others not to misinterpret his statements and reiterated: “We do not pursue nuclear armament.”
The Context of BRICS and Global Alliances
This warning from Putin occurred during a meeting with journalists representing BRICS nations—an economic bloc formed in the mid-2000s aimed at countering Western dominance in global politics and economics. Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has expanded to include Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has also been invited but has yet to officially join this coalition.
Source
“`
