Ukraine’s President Zelensky demands NATO membership or nuclear weapons to deter Russian aggression.
Quick Takes
- Zelensky calls for NATO membership or nuclear weapons as security guarantee
- Ukraine applied to join NATO in 2022 but hasn’t received an official invitation
- Some NATO countries resist Ukraine’s entry despite pledge of “irreversible” path
- Zelensky criticizes 1990s decision to give up nuclear weapons without strong guarantees
- U.S. unlikely to agree to Ukraine regaining nuclear weapons
Zelensky’s Bold Demand: NATO or Nukes
In a startling development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark ultimatum to the West: grant Ukraine NATO membership or provide it with nuclear weapons. This dramatic demand comes as Ukraine continues to face relentless aggression from Russia, highlighting the dire security situation in the region.
Zelensky’s call for action stems from Ukraine’s precarious position, caught between its aspirations for Western integration and the looming threat from its eastern neighbor. The Ukrainian leader has criticized the country’s 1990s decision to relinquish its nuclear arsenal, arguing that it left Ukraine vulnerable to Russian aggression.
Do you think sending nuclear weapons to Ukraine is a good idea? pic.twitter.com/GJeptS67mb
— Colton Blake 🇺🇸 (@ColtonBlakeX) February 6, 2025
The NATO Quandary
Ukraine’s journey towards NATO membership has been long and fraught with obstacles. Despite applying for membership at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Kyiv has yet to receive an official invitation. This delay persists even though NATO has declared Ukraine’s path to membership “irreversible.”
Several NATO countries, including the United States, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, have shown resistance to Ukraine’s entry. This reluctance stems from complex geopolitical considerations and concerns about potentially escalating tensions with Russia.
The Nuclear Option
Frustrated by the slow progress of NATO membership, Zelensky has raised the possibility of Ukraine acquiring nuclear weapons. This proposal has sent shockwaves through the international community, given the implications for global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
“What kind of support package, what kind of missiles? Will they give us nuclear weapons? Then let them give us nuclear weapons,” said Zelensky.
However, the prospect of Ukraine regaining nuclear weapons appears slim. Retired Lt. General Keith Kellogg, a former national security advisor, stated that the chance of Ukraine acquiring nuclear weapons is “somewhere between slim and none.” The international community, particularly the United States, is unlikely to support such a move due to its potential to destabilize the region further.
The Russian Threat Persists
Ukraine’s urgent calls for security guarantees are rooted in the ongoing threat posed by Russia. Despite the 1994 Budapest Memorandum agreement, which was supposed to guarantee Ukraine’s territorial integrity in exchange for giving up its nuclear weapons, Russia has invaded Ukraine twice in the past 30 years.
The ongoing conflict has highlighted Ukraine’s vulnerability and its need for robust security guarantees. While Ukraine has shown remarkable resilience in defending itself, the country’s leadership argues that without NATO membership or a nuclear deterrent, it remains exposed to future Russian aggression.
The Path Forward
As the international community grapples with Ukraine’s demands, the path forward remains uncertain. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged increased support for Ukraine, warning that a Russian victory would be a costly geopolitical mistake for NATO allies. However, the specifics of any potential compromises or security arrangements have yet to be disclosed.
The situation underscores the complex challenges facing Ukraine and the international community as they seek to balance regional security concerns with global stability. As discussions continue, the world watches closely to see how this critical issue will be resolved.
