The German news outlet Bild recently reported that Ukraine may be pursuing nuclear weapons as a strategic deterrent against Russia in case Donald Trump begins withdrawing U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense.
Another report suggested that Ukraine could potentially achieve a functional nuclear arsenal within months.
During his campaign, Trump repeatedly voiced opposition to the current policy of aid to Ukraine, even indicating plans to scale back American support for NATO itself. Combined with Trump’s long-standing rapport with Vladimir Putin, these remarks have raised serious concerns across Europe that U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO may diminish under a new Trump administration.
In response to these claims, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi issued a statement on October 17 categorically denying any plans for nuclear armament. “We officially refute the insinuations of unnamed sources in Bild regarding Ukraine's alleged plans to develop weapons of mass destruction,” Tykhyi said.