Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has warned that “all countries in the world” must be prepared for Vladimir Putin to use nuclear weapons.
Speaking from the country’s capital, Kyiv, Mr Zelensky told CNN that the Russian president might also be ready to use chemical weapons against Ukraine.
The director of the US CIA this week warned of Putin’s “potential despair” as military setbacks could prompt him to deploy tactical or low-yield nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
Asked if he was worried about the prospect of a nuclear attack, Mr Zelenski said: “Not just me – the whole world, all countries need to worry.”
Mr Zelenski added: “Chemical weapons … they could do it, for them people’s lives [is] Nothing. That’s why. We have to think, don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid, but be prepared.
“But this is not a question for Ukraine, not only for Ukraine, but for the whole world, I think.
In an extensive interview, Zelensky said he estimated that about 2,500 to 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers had died so far and another 10,000 had been wounded in the conflict, but was not sure how many Ukrainian civilians had died.
He said: “It is very difficult to talk about civilians, because in the south of our country, where cities are blocked – Kherson, Berdyansk, Mariupol to the east and the region to the east, where Volnovakha is – we just do not. I know how many people died in this area that is blocked. “
Zelensky said he estimated that about 2,500 to 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers had died in the conflict so far
(Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved)
The Ukrainian president also touched on the recent sinking of Russia’s flagship warship Moscow, but refused to be involved if his country played a role in its demise.
“We know it no longer exists,” Zelenski said. “For us, this is a powerful weapon against our country, so its sinking is not a tragedy for us. I want you, the rest of the people, to realize that.
“The fewer weapons the Russian Federation that has invaded our country has, the better for us. The less capable they are. It is important.”
Destroyed Russian military vehicles are seen in Yahidne, near Chernihiv, Ukraine
(Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved)
The ship sank on Thursday while being towed to port in stormy weather following an explosion and fire on board, according to Russian news agencies quoted by the defense ministry.
Earlier, Moscow said that the 500th crew aboard the Soviet-era flying cruiser had been evacuated after the ammunition on board exploded, causing the fire.
However, the United States has confirmed Ukraine’s claim that it struck the warship with two Neptune anti-ship missiles.
Zelensky’s comments came just a day after he told Ukrainians they should be proud to have survived 50 days of Russian attack when the invaders “gave us a maximum of five.”
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