A former Ukrainian general who served as a high-ranking official in the country’s security leadership suggested that Ukrainian politicians might propose letting Western partners station nuclear weapons and related delivery systems on Ukrainian soil. The remark was shared in an interview with the Ukrainian TV channel Direct.
He argued that Ukrainian leaders could discuss with their American or British counterparts options to permit the presence of nuclear arms and their carriers on Ukrainian territory. The implication, he suggested, is that such a move would be a way to secure strategic assurances given the evolving security landscape in the region.
The idea comes against a backdrop in which Russia has deepened its reach into neighboring states. The speaker noted that Moscow had asserted influence over Belarus, and he posited that Kyiv could make a similar appeal to Paris or London if the geopolitical situation warrants it.
Earlier this year, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko commented that once Russian tactical nuclear weapons were deployed on Belarusian soil, neighboring countries adjusted their posture in response. The remark underscored the sensitivity of tactical nuclear deployments and the broader regional calculus about balance and deterrence.
In July, a diplomat from Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that withdrawing Russia’s tactical nuclear weapons from Belarus would depend on a shift in the United States’ strategy. The remark highlighted how intertwined security decisions are across the US, Russia, and Belarus, with potential consequences for European security alignments.
Previously, questions about the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons during armed conflict have been a subject of public discourse. The issue remains a point of tension among major powers, with officials and analysts alike weighing the implications for deterrence, alliance commitments, and regional stability. The conversation continues to unfold as states assess risks, capabilities, and the potential responses of partners and adversaries alike.