Zelenskyy rejects Russia’s nuclear claims, calls them pressure tactics ahead of peace talks

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday rejected Russia's accusations that Ukraine is attempting to acquire nuclear weapons, dismissing them as pressure tactics ahead of upcoming peace talks.

Speaking at a news conference in Kyiv alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Zelenskyy said he views Moscow's statement as an attempt to exert pressure on Ukraine before the next round of US-mediated negotiations.

"When Russia fails to achieve success on the battlefield, it starts looking for 'nuclear weapons' in Ukraine, although they are not there," he said.

He described such rhetoric as "extremely dangerous" and expressed hope that other countries, particularly nuclear powers, would respond.

"First of all, the United States, it seems to me, could give Russia an appropriate signal," Zelenskyy noted.

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said on Tuesday that Britain and France are actively working to provide Kyiv with a nuclear bomb. It claimed that Britain and France believe that, by possessing nuclear weapons, Ukraine would be able to secure more favorable terms for ending the conflict.

In a separate statement on Telegram, Zelenskyy praised Norway's assistance, noting that the Scandinavian country has been among the most active investors in the PURL program.

"We greatly appreciate every military package provided by the Norwegians. Specifically, the long-term nature and predictability of Norway's support, your annual financial support packages, are very helpful for planning our defense and all our actions," he said.

The PURL initiative allows Ukraine to purchase American weapons, primarily air defense missiles.