Media Wire Express Correspondent
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed strong disapproval of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent remarks about nuclear weapons, calling them reckless and dangerous.
Lavrov’s comments come amid the ongoing conflict between the two nations, highlighting the high stakes of any nuclear discourse during such a volatile time.
Zelensky, speaking at a European Union summit, suggested that Ukraine might be forced to reconsider its stance on nuclear weapons if it doesn’t receive guarantees from Western allies, particularly the U.S., to protect its sovereignty. “Either Ukraine will have nuclear weapons, or we will have an alliance that guarantees our security,” Zelensky stated, alluding to the country’s past experience of relinquishing its nuclear arsenal under the Budapest Memorandum in 1994.
Ukraine gave up its substantial nuclear arsenal following the Soviet Union’s collapse in exchange for security assurances from Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. However, as the conflict with Russia escalates, Zelensky and many Ukrainians are beginning to question whether those guarantees have been honored.
Lavrov, however, did not take Zelensky’s remarks lightly. He dismissed the Ukrainian president’s comments as “not serious,” describing them as a “dangerous provocation.” Lavrov went further, labeling Zelensky’s stance as reckless and a sign of instability, adding that “nothing will ever come of this, of course, under any circumstances.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin also joined in criticizing Zelensky’s remarks, warning that any movement toward nuclear weapon development would prompt a serious response from Russia. “It’s not difficult to create nuclear weapons in today’s world, but such actions would have far-reaching consequences,” Putin remarked, reinforcing the gravity of the situation.
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Despite the backlash, Zelensky clarified his position, stating that Ukraine is not actively pursuing nuclear weapons but instead calling for stronger security assurances. He emphasized that his remarks were not a proposal for nuclear armament but a plea for better protection against Russian aggression. “We are not planning to develop nuclear weapons,” Zelensky reassured, underlining the need for stronger alliances to secure Ukraine’s future.
The international community has reacted with concern to the nuclear rhetoric. While NATO and the European Union have expressed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the possibility of nuclear proliferation remains a point of contention. Most world leaders are urging both sides to focus on diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the ongoing war.
As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, tensions are at a boiling point, and the nuclear discourse only adds to the complexity of the situation. The world watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation that will prevent further destabilization in Eastern Europe and beyond. The need for peaceful solutions remains urgent, with both Ukrainian and Russian leaders needing to find a way to navigate this high-stakes conflict.
