President Volodymyr Zelensky made a bold statement during a speech in Brussels, revealing that he told Donald Trump that Ukraine’s response to Russia’s invasion is either to rebuild its nuclear arsenal or join NATO. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has chosen the latter as its path forward. The President also highlighted the Budapest Memorandum, pointing out that Ukraine was the only nation to relinquish its nuclear weapons after the dissolution of the USSR in exchange for security guarantees that were never upheld during Russia’s invasion.
Zelensky’s remarks shed light on Ukraine’s complex history as a former nuclear power, detailing its significant arsenal and the subsequent control exerted by Moscow. While Ukraine currently lacks the infrastructure for nuclear capabilities, experts suggest that the country could potentially resume such programs if desired.
By openly discussing Ukraine’s nuclear past and present geopolitical challenges, Zelensky’s speech underscored the importance of international alliances like NATO in ensuring Ukraine’s security and sovereignty amidst ongoing conflicts. The President’s stance reflects a strategic decision to prioritize cooperation over nuclear rearmament in the face of external threats.
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