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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded with humor to allegations that Western nuclear powers planned to arm Ukraine, stating he would accept nuclear weapons from France or Britain “with pleasure,” before clarifying that no such offers have been made.
During a Sky News interview on February 27, Zelenskyy was asked to address Kremlin propaganda claims suggesting London and Paris were conspiring to transform Ukraine into a nuclear power.
“With pleasure! But I didn’t receive any such proposals,” the Ukrainian leader quipped, before firmly stating, “No, it’s not happening.”
His comments were made in direct response to serious accusations leveled by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) on February 24. The SVR had claimed that France and the United Kingdom were preparing to provide Ukraine with nuclear weapons or components for a “dirty bomb” – a conventional explosive designed to spread radioactive material. According to Russian intelligence, these Western allies allegedly planned to disguise the transfer as a domestic Ukrainian development.
The accusations represent another escalation in Russia’s information warfare campaign against Ukraine and its international supporters. Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Russian officials have repeatedly accused Ukraine of various nuclear-related plots, including previous allegations about “dirty bombs” that were widely dismissed by international observers.
Following the SVR statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov issued a thinly veiled threat, warning that Moscow would “take this into account” during any future peace negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine. This response aligns with Russia’s pattern of using nuclear rhetoric to create anxiety and potentially influence Western decision-making about military support for Ukraine.
The French government moved quickly to counter Russia’s allegations. On February 26, France’s Defense Ministry communications director, Olivia Penichou, categorically rejected the accusations as “unfounded.” She noted that Russian propaganda outlets and some foreign media had amplified these false claims, suggesting a coordinated disinformation campaign.
Nuclear weapons have been a sensitive and central topic throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Ukraine inherited the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal. However, under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine voluntarily surrendered these weapons in exchange for security assurances from Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom – assurances that Russia violated with its 2014 annexation of Crimea and subsequent 2022 full-scale invasion.
Some Ukrainian officials and commentators have since expressed regret over the decision to relinquish nuclear deterrence capabilities, particularly given Russia’s repeated threats to use tactical nuclear weapons in the current conflict.
Western nations, including France and the UK, have progressively increased their conventional military support for Ukraine but have consistently avoided crossing certain red lines that might trigger further escalation from Moscow. Nuclear technology transfer would represent an extreme departure from current Western policy and would likely violate the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Zelenskyy’s humorous dismissal of the Russian claims reflects his communication style, which often combines serious policy statements with moments of levity, even during discussions of the gravest security matters facing his country. Throughout the war, he has maintained a delicate balance between pressing allies for more substantial military support while recognizing the political and strategic constraints they face.
The exchange highlights the ongoing information battle that runs parallel to the physical conflict, with both sides aware that international public opinion and political will remain crucial factors in determining Ukraine’s access to advanced weaponry and financial support.
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6 Comments
Interesting that Ukraine would be open to accepting nuclear weapons, if offered. Though the official says no such proposals have been made so far. I wonder if that’s something the West would consider, given the escalating conflict with Russia.
This highlights the delicate balance and high stakes involved as the war in Ukraine drags on. Nuclear weapons are an extreme escalation that could have catastrophic consequences. I hope cooler heads prevail and diplomacy can find a peaceful resolution.
The Russian accusations of the West arming Ukraine with nuclear weapons or a ‘dirty bomb’ seem like more Kremlin propaganda. Likely an attempt to justify their own aggression and escalation in the conflict.
This just highlights the high stakes and dangers involved as the war in Ukraine continues. Nuclear weapons are an extreme and terrifying prospect that must be avoided at all costs. The focus should remain on diplomatic solutions and sanctions to end the conflict.
It’s concerning to see Russia make such serious allegations without clear evidence. Spreading disinformation about nuclear weapons is a dangerous game. The international community will need to closely monitor the situation and call out any false claims.
Ukraine’s openness to accepting nuclear weapons is understandable given the threat they face from Russia. But that’s a very risky path that could lead to further escalation and catastrophe. Diplomacy and sanctions remain the best options to resolve this conflict.