Most Britons oppose Ukraine developing nuclear weapons Poll finds

A majority of British citizens are against Ukraine developing its own nuclear weapons, according to a survey conducted by YouGov on November 14.

The poll revealed that 62% of respondents opposed Ukraine's potential nuclear weapons programme, with 38% strongly disagreeing with the idea, Caliber.Az reports via British media.

Just 18% of those surveyed supported the development of nuclear arms in Ukraine, while 21% remained undecided on the matter.

This finding underscores a significant public concern over the prospect of Ukraine acquiring nuclear capabilities amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine is not seeking nuclear weapons but emphasised the necessity of NATO membership for its security amid ongoing Russian aggression.

During a discussion with the European Council earlier this week, Zelenskyy explained that NATO membership was Ukraine's only viable option for security, aside from the pursuit of nuclear weapons. "Who gave up nuclear weapons? All of them? Ukraine. Who is fighting today? Ukraine," he remarked, drawing attention to the nation's difficult position.

The statement led to considerable fallout, prompting Zelenskyy to clarify his remarks in a subsequent meeting with NATO's top official, Mark Rutte. He confirmed that Ukraine has never planned to develop nuclear weapons and remains fully committed to nuclear non-proliferation.

"We are not building nuclear weapons. What I meant is that today there is no stronger security guarantee for us than NATO membership," Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine's foreign ministry also issued a statement reiterating the nation's adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and its commitment to global nuclear security. Zelenskyy further emphasised that the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, in which Ukraine relinquished its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security guarantees from the UK, US, and Russia, was a mistake.

By Aghakazim Guliyev