Brussels – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stirred controversy earlier this week when he suggested that Ukraine’s only alternative to NATO membership might be nuclear weapons. Speaking to the European Council, Zelenskyy highlighted the dire security situation his country faces while continuing to fend off Russia’s invasion.

“Who gave up nuclear weapons? Ukraine. Who is fighting today? Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said, referencing Ukraine’s decision to relinquish its nuclear arsenal in 1994 in exchange for security guarantees from major powers.

The remark sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, leading Zelenskyy to quickly clarify his statement later in a meeting with NATO’s top chief, Mark Rutte. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is not considering developing nuclear weapons. “We are not building nuclear weapons. What I meant is that there is no stronger security guarantee for us besides NATO membership,” he explained.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry also issued a statement affirming Kyiv’s commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). “Ukraine remains committed to nuclear non-proliferation,” the ministry stated, reaffirming that despite Russia’s ongoing aggression, Ukraine complies with the NPT and continues to be a responsible participant in the international nuclear regime.

Zelenskyy’s comment was a reference to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which saw Ukraine voluntarily give up the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal inherited from the Soviet Union. In return, Ukraine received security assurances from the US, UK, and Russia. However, Moscow has violated those assurances twice, first in 2014 when it illegally annexed Crimea and now in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Reflecting on the Budapest Memorandum during his speech, Zelenskyy pointed out the failed promises: “Which of these major nuclear powers suffered? All of them? No. Only Ukraine.”

As Russia continues its aggression, Zelenskyy reiterated that NATO membership remains Ukraine’s only reliable option for securing its sovereignty. He underscored that Moscow’s repeated violations of Ukraine’s territorial integrity have left Kyiv with no alternative but to pursue NATO protection.

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to Zelenskyy’s comments on Friday, dismissing any possibility of Ukraine acquiring nuclear weapons. “Russia will not allow this to happen, no matter what,” Putin said, warning that any such move would provoke a swift response from Moscow.

Andrii Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, further clarified Zelenskyy’s position, insisting that Ukraine is not seeking nuclear weapons but rather the security guarantees promised in 1994. “We want to receive what we have the rights to,” Yermak said, calling the Budapest Memorandum unfair and emphasizing that Ukraine will not resort to unjust actions despite the war.

“We have not become animals,” Yermak added, highlighting the moral distinction Ukraine maintains in its fight against Russian aggression.

As Ukraine continues to advocate for NATO membership, Zelenskyy’s comments underscore the urgency of Kyiv’s security needs amid a devastating war.