Nuclear Weapon Statement from Ukraine
In response to the news published by the British Times newspaper that Ukraine could develop nuclear weapons if the US cuts military aid to Ukraine, the Ukrainian government made a statement via the Telegram channel. In this statement, it was emphasised that the country does not possess nuclear weapons and has no intention to produce them.
“Ukraine is committed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We do not possess, develop or intend to produce nuclear weapons. We are fully transparent for inspection, which excludes the use of nuclear materials for military purposes.”
The British Times newspaper, based on a report prepared by Ukrainian researchers for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, suggested that Kiev could have a nuclear bomb within a few months if the US cuts its military aid. This allegation caused great repercussions in the international arena.
Previously, Kiev had called on Western countries to invite Ukraine to join NATO as soon as possible and threatened to develop nuclear weapons otherwise. This raised deep concerns about Ukraine’s security.
Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed to the difficulty of producing nuclear weapons in the modern world, but expressed uncertainty as to how far Ukraine could go in this field. He also described reports that Ukraine might acquire nuclear weapons as a provocation and said that any steps taken in this direction would be met with an appropriate response. Putin also emphasised that Russia would not allow Kiev to develop nuclear weapons under any circumstances.
Putin also assured that if any Western country intends to provide Ukraine with nuclear weapons, Russia will detect it.
