This article was originally published by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and is reprinted with permission.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned in an interview with CNN that the international community should take seriously the threat that Russia could use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
“Not only me — all of the world, all of the countries have to be worried,” Zelenskiy told the network on April 16.
The remarks follow comments by CIA Director Bill Burns, who said the threat of Russia potentially using nuclear weapons in Ukraine could not be taken lightly, although the U.S. spy agency had not yet seen any signs of specific concern.
Speaking in English, Zelenskiy said that human lives mean nothing to Moscow.
As to the possible use of chemical weapons by Russia, Zelenskiy stressed the importance of being prepared for any eventuality.
“But that is not a question for Ukraine, not only for Ukraine but for all the world, I think,” he added.
In a speech on April 14, Burns said that “given the potential desperation of President [Vladimir] Putin and the Russian leadership, given the setbacks that they’ve faced so far, militarily, none of us can take lightly the threat posed by a potential resort to tactical nuclear weapons or low-yield nuclear weapons.”
The Kremlin said it had placed Russian nuclear forces on high alert shortly after it launched its unprovoked war on Ukraine on February 24, but the United States has not seen “a lot of practical evidence” of actual deployments that would cause more worry, Burns added.
“We’re obviously very concerned. I know President [Joe] Biden is deeply concerned about avoiding a third world war, about avoiding a threshold in which, you know, nuclear conflict becomes possible,” Burns said.
