Talk in the West of arming Ukraine with nuclear weapons “is completely irresponsible,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in response to a New York Times report that unnamed officials suggested such a possibility.
The New York Times wrote last week that Western officials, whom they did not name, suggested that US President Joe Biden could give nuclear weapons to Ukraine before he leaves the White House.
“Several officials even indicated that Mr. Biden could return to Ukraine nuclear weapons that were taken from it after the fall of the Soviet Union. That would be an immediate and huge deterrent. But such a step would be complicated and have serious consequences,” the newspaper wrote.
Responding to a question about the publication, Peskov told reporters: “These are completely irresponsible arguments of people who do not have a good knowledge of reality and who do not feel any responsibility when they make such statements. We also note that all these statements are anonymous.”
Earlier, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said that if the West supplies Ukraine with nuclear weapons, Moscow may consider this transfer tantamount to an attack on Russia, providing the basis for a nuclear response.
Ukraine inherited nuclear weapons from the Soviet Union after its collapse in 1991, but surrendered them under a 1994 agreement, the Budapest Memorandum, in exchange for security guarantees from Russia, the United States and Britain.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last month that since Ukraine has given up its nuclear weapons, joining NATO is the only way it can deter Russia.
The Russia-Ukraine war that erupted when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 escalated on both sides last week after Ukraine fired US and British missiles into Russia for the first time, with Western permission, and Moscow responded by launching a new medium-range hypersonic missile into Ukraine.
Asked about the risk of nuclear escalation, Peskov said the West should “listen carefully” to Putin and read Russia’s recently updated nuclear doctrine, which lowers the threshold for using nuclear weapons.
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#Russia #Irresponsible #talks #handing #nuclear #weapons #Ukraine
What are the potential legal and ethical implications of the US providing nuclear weapons to Ukraine, considering the Budapest Memorandum and existing international agreements on nuclear non-proliferation?
## World Today News Interview: Nuclear Weapons in Ukraine
**Introduction**
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today we have two distinguished guests joining us to discuss the recent and highly sensitive topic of potentially arming Ukraine with nuclear weapons.
Our first guest is Dr. Emily Carter, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council specializing in arms control and nuclear proliferation. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us.
Our second guest is Mr. Viktor Petrov, a retired Russian military analyst and commentator. Mr. Petrov, thank you for being here today.
**Section 1: The Proposal and its Implications**
**Host:** Dr. Carter, the New York Times recently reported on anonymous Western officials suggesting that the US could provide Ukraine with nuclear weapons. This has been met with strong criticism from Russia, including calling it “completely irresponsible.” What are your thoughts on this proposal and its potential implications?
**Dr. Carter:**
**Host:** Mr. Petrov, the Russian response to this suggestion has been strong, with some officials even suggesting that such a move could be considered an act of war. Could you elaborate on Russia’s perspective on this issue and the potential ramifications for global security?
**Mr. Petrov:**
**Section 2: Historical Context and International Agreements**
**Host:** Dr. Carter, Ukraine inherited a significant nuclear arsenal after the collapse of the Soviet Union but chose to surrender those weapons in exchange for security guarantees from Russia, the US, and the UK in the Budapest Memorandum. How does this historical context inform the current debate?
**Dr. Carter:**
**Host:** Mr. Petrov, do you believe that the Budapest Memorandum remains a valid framework for addressing Ukraine’s security concerns in the current geopolitical climate?
**Mr. Petrov:**
**Section 3: Escalation Risks and Deterrence**
**Host:** Both sides have escalated their rhetoric recently.
Dr. Carter, what are the risks of nuclear escalation in this conflict, and are there any potential ways to de-escalate the situation?
**Dr. Carter:**
**Host:** Mr. Petrov, Russia recently updated its nuclear doctrine, potentially lowering the threshold for using nuclear weapons. What message does this send, and what are the implications for international security?
**Mr. Petrov:**
**Section 4: The Future of Ukraine’s Security**
**Host:** Dr. Carter, what are some alternative security guarantees that could be offered to Ukraine that would address its concerns without resorting to nuclear weapons?
**Dr. Carter:**
**Host:** Mr. Petrov, what outcome, in your view, would best ensure the security of both Russia and Ukraine in the long term?
**Mr. Petrov:**
**Conclusion**
**Host:** Thank you both for your insightful analysis and perspectives on this incredibly complex and critical issue. Remind our audience where they can find further information on this topic and we appreciate you tuning into World Today News.
