What's happened
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reignited discussions on nuclear weapons, stating Ukraine may need them for protection. This follows escalating tensions with Russia, which has threatened severe consequences. The situation reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, including Israel's nuclear capabilities amid conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post reported on Zelensky's comments at an EU summit, where he stated, "either Ukraine will have nuclear weapons, which will protect us, or we must have some kind of alliance." This reflects a growing sentiment in Ukraine regarding security needs. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled these remarks as a "dangerous provocation," warning of severe repercussions. The Moscow Times echoed this sentiment, noting that Putin emphasized the ease of creating nuclear weapons today, further escalating the dialogue around nuclear capabilities. Meanwhile, Politico highlighted Zelensky's historical context, recalling Ukraine's relinquishment of its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security guarantees, which have since been violated by Russia. This multifaceted coverage illustrates the complex interplay of security, historical context, and geopolitical strategy.
How we got here
Ukraine relinquished its nuclear arsenal in 1994 under the Budapest Memorandum, receiving security assurances from Russia and the U.S. However, ongoing conflicts have led Zelensky to reconsider Ukraine's nuclear stance, especially in light of Russia's aggressive actions.
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