During a meeting with media representatives of the BRICS nations, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed Moscow’s readiness to engage in discussions aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. This statement comes amid growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, exacerbated by allegations that Ukraine might consider acquiring nuclear weapons.
Vladimir Putin warned that such actions would be a dangerous provocation. He stressed that in today’s world, creating nuclear weapons is not particularly difficult and that even though Ukraine may not currently have the capacity to do so, the process itself is relatively straightforward and not overly complicated. This situation poses a serious threat, as any move in this direction will inevitably lead to a corresponding response.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been accused of hinting that Ukraine might turn to nuclear weapons if it does not gain NATO membership. He told European Union leaders of the need for Kyiv to have a strong deterrent to counter Russian aggression.
Zelensky, however, said that Ukraine has no intention of developing nuclear weapons or posing a nuclear threat to the rest of the world. He stressed the importance of accurate information, noting that some media outlets have spread false reports.
The Ukrainian president stressed that Ukraine should be integrated into NATO, referring to the Budapest Memorandum, under which Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal in exchange for guarantees on its security and territorial integrity.
Putin welcomed the peace proposals put forward by China and Brazil, saying they could provide a solid basis for pursuing peace. He categorically rejected any possibility of concessions regarding the status of the four Ukrainian regions annexed by Moscow in September 2022.
This escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine raises concerns about regional stability and international security. The ongoing discussions and the positions of the two countries will be crucial in determining the development of the situation and the search for a peaceful solution to this complex conflict.