New York Times: The U.S. may provide nuclear weapons to Ukraine.

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White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby evaluated the agenda regarding the Ukraine-Russia War during a press briefing held via teleconference, confirming for the first time reports that the U.S. had approved the use of long-range missiles by the Ukrainian army on Russian territory. U.S. media claimed that following the approval for the use of long-range missiles, some officials at the White House discussed providing nuclear weapons to Kiev.

NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR KIEV

The New York Times, without citing sources, reported that some U.S. and European officials discussed President Joe Biden's potential decision to provide nuclear weapons to Ukraine. According to the report, the topic arose in the context of providing security guarantees to Ukraine. It was emphasized in the discussions that returning the nuclear weapons taken from Ukraine after the dissolution of the Soviet Union would have an "immediate and significant deterrent effect." However, it was also stated that such a step would be "complex" and could have "serious consequences." As an alternative option, the creation of a conventional weapons arsenal capable of delivering "devastating blows" to Ukraine was brought up. After the dissolution of the USSR, Ukraine had become the world's third-largest nuclear power with 170 intercontinental ballistic missiles and over 2,500 tactical missiles. However, as a result of an agreement reached in 1996, these nuclear weapons were transferred to Russia, and Ukraine joined the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Ukrainian General Staff reported that since the start of Russia's large-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Ukraine has lost 732,350 soldiers. According to calculations by the Russian news agency TASS, since May 2024, Ukraine has suffered approximately 65,000 losses from Russia's Northern Combat Group. The war, which has been ongoing for three years, gained a new dimension last week when Ukraine struck Russia with U.S. and British missiles. With the support of NATO countries, Putin responded to the attacks on Russian territory with the Orešnik hypersonic ballistic missile. The latest developments have led to comments that a third world war is gradually approaching. Many European countries also announced their support for Ukraine following Russia's ballistic missile attack. In a statement following the developments, Putin declared, "The war has gained a global dimension." The Russian leader emphasized that the West's direct involvement in the conflict in Ukraine would mean that NATO, the U.S., and European countries are at war with Russia, and that Moscow would make decisions based on the threats that arise before it.