Ukraine wants nuclear power to protect against Russia

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A nuclear-armed Ukraine with a million-strong military force would be necessary to prevent future Russian aggression if NATO membership remains unattainable, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent statements.

In a candid interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan, Zelensky outlined his vision for Ukraine’s security, emphasizing that NATO membership would be the most cost-effective solution. Without it, he explained, Ukraine would require extensive security measures, including a massive standing army, international troop deployments, and nuclear capabilities.

During the interview, Zelensky stated: “If not NATO, we will need to sustain a million [man] army, but the hundreds of thousands that we have will not be enough, they are on the offense and we do not have enough… That is huge money… so that’s why I think NATO is the cheapest option. If not NATO, then we must [build] this huge army with huge money, that means contingents from our partners, and undoubtedly that is a big deterrence missile package against the Ruskis.”

Ummmmm… no thanks.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine would need a million-man army, including contingents of soldiers from allied nations, a nuclear deterrent, and batteries of advanced missiles to deter future Russian aggression if it isn’t allowed to join NATO. pic.twitter.com/O5CumazGVU

— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) February 5, 2025

The Ukrainian leader expressed frustration about the prolonged uncertainty surrounding NATO membership, arguing that even a delayed acceptance would necessitate substantial interim security guarantees. He continued: “Which support package, which missiles? Will we be given nuclear weapons? Let them give us nuclear weapons… Give us back nuclear arms, give us missile systems, partners help us finance the one-million army, move your contingent on the part of our state where we want the stability of the situation. So the people have tranquillity.”

Zelensky criticized Ukraine’s 1990s decision to surrender its nuclear arsenal, inherited from the Soviet Union, describing it as a forced choice by Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Looking back, he remarked: “Our nuclear weapons were exchanged for nothing… We lost protection, our security guarantees. Those were our security guarantees.”

This isn’t the first time Zelensky has discussed nuclear capabilities. A leaked Ukrainian document from November suggested that the country could potentially develop its own nuclear weapons using spent fuel rods from its civilian nuclear facilities, even without Western support.

Zelensky: "Putin said he invaded because he was afraid that Ukraine would join NATO. We are not in NATO, so why is he still here?"

In an interview with Piers Morgan, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine needs real security guarantees.

What else did the president talk… pic.twitter.com/9eMSTOzoYZ

— GMan (Ґленн) ☘️🇬🇧🇺🇦🇺🇸🇵🇱🇮🇱🍊🌻 (@FAB87F) February 5, 2025

Recently, Zelensky described the historic nuclear disarmament as “absolutely stupid, illogical, and very irresponsible.” He emphasized that Ukraine would be more cautious about security promises, stating: “Almost everything depends on what we Ukrainians are able to secure to protect ourselves, because we will not make the mistakes of the past again.”

The situation remains complex as Ukraine continues to face Russia, a nuclear-armed adversary that has repeatedly made nuclear threats since the conflict began. While these threats have primarily targeted Ukraine’s international supporters, they haven’t significantly deterred Western assistance, despite concerns about potential escalation.