Zelenskyy wants nukes or NATO; Trump special envoy says ‘slim and none’ chance
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This week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a bold statement, suggesting that if the U.S. cannot promise a swift path to NATO membership, then Ukraine would consider alternative security options, including the acquisition of nuclear weapons. However, it is clear that the United States is not inclined to agree to such terms.
Retired Lt. General Keith Kellogg, who serves as a special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, expressed skepticism about Ukraine regaining nuclear weapons. He emphasized that the likelihood of this happening is slim to none. In 1994, Ukraine agreed to surrender its nuclear arsenal to Russia in exchange for guarantees of sovereignty and independence, promises that Russia has since violated with multiple invasions. Zelenskyy argued that if NATO membership is delayed, Ukraine should have the option to reclaim its nuclear weapons.
Kellogg dismissed the idea of rearming Ukraine with nuclear weapons as impractical, citing the need for common sense in evaluating such proposals. He emphasized the importance of exploring diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Zelenskyy expressed willingness to engage in face-to-face discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek an end to the war, although Putin has not agreed to a meeting.
President Donald Trump indicated that preliminary talks have commenced with both Ukraine and Russia, and Kellogg confirmed that concessions would be necessary from both sides to achieve a peace agreement. The specifics of these compromises remain undisclosed, particularly regarding the contentious issue of Ukrainian NATO membership.
Kellogg is scheduled to attend the Munich Security Conference to engage with world leaders and gather insights on the perspectives of key nations involved in the conflict. He emphasized the importance of understanding all stakeholders’ concerns and working towards mutually beneficial concessions.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on member nations to increase their support for Ukraine to strengthen NATO deterrence against adversarial nations like Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. Rutte warned of the significant consequences of allowing Russia to prevail in the conflict, stressing the need for increased defense spending to safeguard NATO allies.
Kellogg will advocate for greater defense spending among NATO allies and seek their commitment to sharing the burden of resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Trump has directed efforts towards ensuring that NATO allies play a more active role in addressing the ongoing crisis. Join Fox News to stay informed on the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict and global security issues.
