Zelenskyj calls for pre-emptive strikes against Russia

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky believes that NATO must launch a "pre-emptive strike" against Russia if Russia threatens to use nuclear weapons. He said so in a video interview with the Lowy Institute in Australia on Thursday. The Ukrainian media published the excerpt of his speech with the following quote:

    "What should NATO do? Prevent Russia from using nuclear weapons. Above all, I appeal once again to the international community, as I did before February 24: pre-emptive strikes, so they (the Russians) know what will happen to them if they use them. Not, conversely, waiting for Russia's nuclear strikes and then being able to say, 'Ah, so that's what you are, well then you'll get it back now.'"

He stressed that NATO should "rethink the way it applies pressure".

Zelensky also believes that Putin will not survive the use of nuclear weapons. "Nevertheless, I believe that the Russian head of state loves his own life very much. And I think he knows that after the use of nuclear weapons he will no longer be able to save it," said Zelensky.

The reaction from the Kremlin to these statements is now available.

    "This is President Zelensky's statement, which all countries in the world should pay attention to. Above all, the USA, the United Kingdom and the countries of the European Union should pay attention to this statement by Zelensky. First of all, the first two," Kremlin spokesman said Dmitry Peskov.

These are the states that de facto direct the actions and activities and speak of the intention to defend it (Ukraine) to the end and therefore for statements of this man (Zelensky - ed.) and this regime would have to be responsible.

He also stated that the words of the Ukrainian head of state were nothing more than a call to start a world war.

According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Zelensky has "turned into a monster" and the West is "initiating a nuclear war through him."

Meanwhile, Sergei Nikiforov, Zelensky's press secretary, has stated that the Ukrainian leader "did not call for the use of nuclear weapons against Russia". Ukrainian media quoted Nikiforov:

    "The President spoke of a period up to February 24. At that time, preventive measures should have been taken to prevent Russia from unleashing a war. I would like to remind you that the only measures that were discussed at the time were preventive sanctions were."