Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly rejected on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, accusations from Russia that Ukraine is pursuing nuclear weapons, describing the claims as deliberate pressure tactics intended to weaken Kyiv's position before the next round of US-mediated peace negotiations.
Speaking at a joint news conference in Kyiv with visiting Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Zelenskyy dismissed Moscow's allegations as baseless and dangerous. “When Russia fails to achieve success on the battlefield, it starts looking for 'nuclear weapons' in Ukraine, although they are not there,” he stated.
He characterized the Russian narrative—promoted most recently by the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) on Tuesday—as “extremely dangerous” rhetoric designed to escalate tensions and complicate diplomacy. Zelenskyy expressed hope that major nuclear powers, especially the United States, would issue a clear rebuttal to Moscow. “First of all, the United States, it seems to me, could give Russia an appropriate signal,” he said.
The Russian SVR had claimed that Britain and France are actively assisting Ukraine in acquiring nuclear capabilities, asserting that London and Paris believe a nuclear-armed Ukraine could negotiate more favorable terms to end the conflict. Kyiv has repeatedly denied any intention to develop or acquire nuclear weapons, emphasizing its adherence to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its status as a non-nuclear state since relinquishing its inherited Soviet arsenal in the 1990s under the Budapest Memorandum.
Zelenskyy’s remarks come as indirect US-mediated talks with Russia—facilitated through intermediaries—are expected to resume in the near future, amid ongoing military stalemate and diplomatic maneuvering. Ukraine has consistently maintained that any negotiations must be based on the restoration of its internationally recognized borders, full accountability for war crimes, and security guarantees, while rejecting territorial concessions or recognition of Russian annexations.
During the same press conference, Zelenskyy expressed deep appreciation for Norway’s sustained support, singling out the Scandinavian country as one of the most reliable and predictable partners. He praised the long-term nature of Norwegian aid packages and their role in enabling effective defense planning.
“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,” Zelenskyy said.
He specifically highlighted Norway’s participation in the PURL (Procurement of Ukrainian Long-range) initiative, a mechanism that allows Ukraine to purchase advanced American weapons—primarily air defense missiles and related systems—using funds provided by allied countries. Norway has been among the most consistent contributors to PURL, helping Ukraine bolster its layered air defense network against Russian missile and drone attacks.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, on his part, reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to supporting Ukraine “for as long as it takes,” noting that Oslo’s aid combines military, humanitarian, and financial assistance with a focus on long-term resilience and reconstruction.
The joint appearance underscores the deepening defense partnership between Ukraine and Nordic countries, which have emerged as some of Kyiv’s most steadfast backers in Europe. Norway has provided NASAMS air defense systems, artillery ammunition, and substantial funding for both immediate battlefield needs and future reconstruction efforts.
Zelenskyy’s rejection of the nuclear accusations aligns with Ukraine’s broader diplomatic strategy of countering Russian disinformation campaigns that seek to portray Kyiv as a reckless or escalatory actor. Western intelligence agencies and independent experts have consistently found no credible evidence of Ukraine pursuing nuclear weapons or receiving assistance to that end.
As indirect talks loom and military pressure continues along the front lines, the exchange highlights the intersection of battlefield realities, diplomatic signaling, and information warfare that continues to define the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
