Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is playing a dangerous game by threatening to pursue nuclear weapons if NATO refuses to admit Ukraine into the alliance. For years, Zelenskyy has depended on the support of Western nations, but now he’s making demands that could drag the world into a nuclear conflict.
Zelenskyy recently told European Union leaders in Brussels that Ukraine has “no other option” but to consider nuclear weapons if NATO membership is denied. His ultimatum is alarming, especially since Ukraine once had nuclear weapons but surrendered them in 1994 under the Budapest Memorandum. Zelenskyy’s willingness to abandon that agreement shows just how far he’s willing to go.
The most concerning aspect of Zelenskyy’s threats is the potential for NATO’s involvement in a direct war with Russia. If Ukraine were to join NATO, the alliance’s mutual defense clause would almost certainly result in a larger conflict, possibly involving nuclear weapons. Zelenskyy’s failure to see this risk is a sign of his growing desperation.
President Donald Trump has put forward a peace plan that could end the war, but Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected Trump’s overtures. Instead, Zelenskyy has thrown his support behind the Biden-Harris administration, further escalating tensions.
The world cannot afford to be drawn into a nuclear conflict because of Zelenskyy’s reckless demands. The international community must stand strong and reject this dangerous blackmail.
