During a meeting with media representatives from BRICS nations, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed Moscow’s readiness to engage in discussions to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
Putin warned, “This is yet another provocation. In today’s world, creating nuclear weapons isn’t particularly difficult. I’m unsure if Ukraine currently has the capability to pursue this. While it may not be easy for Ukraine, the process itself is straightforward and dangerous. Any move in this direction will provoke a response.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been accused of suggesting that Ukraine might seek nuclear weapons if it does not secure NATO membership. He conveyed to European Union leaders that Kyiv needs a strong deterrent against Russian aggression.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine has no intention of developing nuclear arms or posing any nuclear threat, emphasizing the need for accurate information in the media.
He reiterated his belief that Ukraine should be integrated into NATO, referencing the Budapest Memorandum, under which Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security assurances.
Putin expressed approval of the peace proposals from China and Brazil, suggesting they could serve as a basis for peace. However, he firmly rejected any concessions regarding the status of the four Ukrainian regions annexed by Moscow in September 2022.