Ukraine relinquished its nuclear weapons in 1994 after receiving security assurances from Russia, the United Kingdom, and the USA. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that Ukraine might consider acquiring nuclear weapons as a means of defense if it does not become a NATO member. These statements elicited reactions from Russia, where the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, criticized Zelensky, calling him a “maniac” for his remarks about nuclear weapons.
Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons in 1994 for safety guarantees.
