- October 17, 2024
- 5:52 pm
- Ukraine
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky made an unexpected statement at the EU summit in Brussels, which caused shock. As reported on October 17, 2024 Bild, Ukraine may return to possessing nuclear weapons if NATO does not accept it into its ranks.
Zelensky's statement at the EU summit
According to BildZelensky on the sidelines of the summit in Brussels emphasized that Ukraine is considering two options to ensure its security:
- Rapid accession to NATO — if the alliance does not provide protection, Ukraine will have to look for alternatives.
- Rebuilding the nuclear arsenal — this option was announced in the event that Ukraine is left without the support of international unions.
Quote from Zelensky:
“Either Ukraine will become part of NATO, or we will have to become a nuclear power again,” – said the President of Ukraine.
Conversation with Donald Trump
During a conversation with Donald Trump, the former and possibly future president of the United States, Zelensky confirmed his intention. He stressed that the Budapest Memorandum, which guaranteed the security of Ukraine in exchange for the renunciation of nuclear weapons, no longer works.
Zelensky quote from Bild:
“Which of all the nuclear powers suffered from the war? All? No, only Ukraine. Who gave up nuclear weapons? Only one country – Ukraine.”
According to BildTrump agreed with these arguments, calling them fair.
Possibility of rapid restoration of the nuclear arsenal
High-ranking sources in the Ukrainian government said Bildthat Ukraine has the necessary materials and knowledge to quickly restore its nuclear arsenal. Once the order is in place, it will only take a few weeks to build the first bomb.
Key points:
- Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons in the 1990s, handing over its last nuclear warhead in 2001.
- The country now sees rebuilding its nuclear capabilities as a means of deterring the Russian aggressor.
Quote from Bild:
“The West should think less about Russia’s red lines and more about ours,” – noted the Ukrainian official.
The position of the West and the threat of a new invasion
The Ukrainian side believes that the West underestimates the threat of a new Russian invasion. President Zelensky and Ukrainian officials are convinced that their country must be prepared for any scenario, including the restoration of its nuclear arsenal, if there is no alternative in the form of NATO membership.
| Options for Ukraine | Possible consequences |
|---|---|
| Joining NATO | Guaranteed protection against Russian attacks |
| Rebuilding the nuclear arsenal | Escalation of tensions and possible sanctions |
| Expecting concrete actions from the West | Risk of a new Russian invasion |
Thus, as reported BildUkraine is on the verge of an important decision: either the country will join NATO and receive guarantees of collective security, or it will have to look for alternatives, including in the form of restoring its nuclear arsenal.
