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Russian nuclear accusations stem from battlefield failures, Zelenskyy says during Norwegian PM visit
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Russia’s latest nuclear allegations as a predictable response to military setbacks, speaking at a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Kyiv on Tuesday.
“Usually, when Russia fails to win on the battlefield, it starts looking for nuclear weapons on Ukrainian territory,” Zelenskyy told reporters. “Sadly, Ukraine does not have nuclear weapons. You all know the circumstances of how and because of whom this happened.”
The Ukrainian president was responding to claims made earlier this week by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, which alleged that the United Kingdom and France were actively working to provide Ukraine with either a nuclear weapon or a “dirty bomb” – a conventional explosive laced with radioactive material.
Zelenskyy characterized these allegations as politically motivated, suggesting they were timed to coincide with upcoming trilateral diplomatic meetings. He indicated the nuclear rhetoric might also be a reaction to ongoing discussions about a potential nuclear umbrella for European countries.
The accusations represent the latest iteration of nuclear-themed allegations from Moscow since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Similar claims about Ukrainian “dirty bomb” plots emerged in October 2022, which Western officials uniformly rejected as false.
Both the UK government and Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have categorically denied Russia’s latest assertions, describing them as “false and absurd.” The British Foreign Office issued a statement calling the claims “another example of disinformation designed to distract from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
Military analysts suggest Russia’s recurring nuclear accusations follow a pattern of escalation in rhetoric whenever its forces face significant challenges on the battlefield. Recent weeks have seen Ukrainian forces maintain defensive positions in the Donetsk region while making progress with cross-border operations in Russia’s Kursk region.
“This fits a recognizable pattern of Russian information operations,” said Dr. Alexandra Marksteiner, a security analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. “When conventional military tactics falter, the nuclear card gets played to create uncertainty and fear among Western supporters of Ukraine.”
Ukraine relinquished its nuclear arsenal in the 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine surrendered what was then the world’s third-largest nuclear stockpile in exchange for security assurances from Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom – a decision that has faced renewed scrutiny since Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and the current war.
The Norwegian prime minister’s visit to Kyiv comes as part of ongoing European efforts to demonstrate continued support for Ukraine amid the war’s third year. Norway has been a significant contributor of military and humanitarian aid, announcing earlier this year an additional support package worth approximately $1.5 billion.
The press conference also addressed broader European security concerns, the status of Western military assistance, and Ukraine’s ongoing push for NATO membership – though specific details about new Norwegian aid commitments were not immediately disclosed.
As winter approaches, Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia may intensify attacks on energy infrastructure, potentially leading to more widespread power outages than in previous years due to cumulative damage to the power grid.
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13 Comments
Russia’s false nuclear claims about Ukraine are a worrying tactic to distract from its own battlefield failures. Zelenskyy’s response highlighting Ukraine’s non-nuclear status is crucial.
Zelenskyy is right to dismiss Russia’s false nuclear claims. This is clearly a diversionary tactic as Russia struggles on the battlefield. Ukraine has no nuclear weapons, and the world knows it.
I agree, these allegations seem politically motivated rather than based on any real evidence. Russia should focus on diplomacy instead of spreading misinformation.
Zelenskyy’s clear and direct response to Russia’s nuclear accusations is exactly what’s needed. These claims appear to be an attempt to shift the narrative away from Russia’s battlefield failures.
Absolutely. Zelenskyy’s rebuttals are crucial in countering Russia’s dangerous nuclear rhetoric. Ukraine has no nuclear weapons, and the world must continue to hold Russia accountable.
Russia’s repeated nuclear claims against Ukraine are increasingly absurd and concerning. Zelenskyy is right to firmly reject these allegations as a distraction tactic.
Russia’s nuclear accusations against Ukraine are a desperate attempt to deflect attention from its own failures. Zelenskyy’s firm denial is an important rebuttal.
It’s concerning to see Russia stooping to such desperate measures with these nuclear accusations. Zelenskyy’s clear rebuttals are important to counter this dangerous rhetoric.
Absolutely. Russia’s nuclear saber-rattling is incredibly reckless and only serves to escalate tensions further. Ukraine has shown no interest in pursuing nuclear weapons.
Zelenskyy is right to call out Russia’s nuclear allegations as politically motivated. This appears to be an attempt to shift the narrative away from Russia’s military setbacks.
I agree, these claims seem designed to create confusion and sow division. Ukraine has been clear it does not possess nuclear weapons, and Russia knows this.
Zelenskyy’s dismissal of Russia’s nuclear allegations is a measured and appropriate response. These claims appear to be a cynical ploy to distract from Russia’s military struggles.
I agree, Zelenskyy is right to call out Russia’s nuclear rhetoric as politically motivated. Ukraine has no interest in pursuing nuclear weapons, and the world knows this.