Zelensky’s comments on preventive strikes against Russia are a call to begin a ‘nuclear war’, Kremlin says

In an interview with the Australian think tank Lowy Institute, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was asked about the possibility of launching preventive airstrikes against Russia in order to stop it from further interference in Ukraine’s affairs.

Zelensky said that “we need to be serious about the potential for nuclear warfare, and yes, I would 100% consider it…I know that [Russian President Vladimir Putin] would be very wise not to test me.”

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Asked whether he would launch preventive airstrikes against Russia in order to stop it from further interference in Ukraine’s affairs, Zelensky said that he would “100% consider” such a move.

In response to Zelensky’s comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “it is clear that Mr. Zelensky is calling for starting a nuclear war.

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“This is completely irresponsible.” He went on to say that “such statements can only be made by people who do not understand what responsibility they bear.”

Peskov also said that Zelensky’s comments were an attempt to score political points ahead of Ukraine’s parliamentary elections, which are set to take place later this month. “Of course, this is pre-election rhetoric,” Peskov said. “And we understand this very well.”

It remains to be seen whether Zelensky’s comments were merely pre-election rhetoric or if he is serious about the possibility of launching preventive airstrikes against Russia.

However, one thing is clear: the Kremlin has interpreted his words as a call to begin a “nuclear war”, and it has responded accordingly.