Russia Escalates Nuclear Rhetoric Amid Ukraine Attacks; Trump Criticizes Zelenskyy

Shoigu Reaffirms Russia’s Right to Use Nuclear Weapons

Russia’s top security official has reiterated the country’s willingness to use nuclear weapons if it faces military aggression from Western nations. Sergei Shoigu, former defense minister and current head of Russia’s powerful Security Council, made the remarks on April 24 during an interview with the TASS state news agency.

Shoigu stated that a nuclear strike could be considered in response to a conventional attack on Russia or its close ally Belarus—particularly if such an attack posed a critical threat to the nations’ sovereignty or territorial integrity. While Russian officials frequently engage in nuclear saber-rattling, Shoigu’s comments come at a highly sensitive time during the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Deadly Strikes Hit Kyiv, Dozens Injured

Shoigu’s comments coincided with one of the deadliest attacks on Kyiv in recent months. Overnight missile and drone strikes by Russian forces hit the Ukrainian capital, igniting fires, damaging infrastructure, and killing at least nine people. Over 70 others were reported injured. Ukraine’s air force confirmed that multiple regions across the country were targeted in the coordinated attack.

There has been no official response from Moscow regarding the latest wave of air strikes.

Trump and Vance Pressure Kyiv for Peace Deal

Hours before Shoigu’s nuclear warning, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance indicated growing frustration with Ukraine’s refusal to accept a proposed U.S.-brokered peace deal. The plan reportedly calls for Ukraine to cede all territory captured by Russia since its 2022 invasion, as well as formal U.S. recognition of Crimea—annexed by Russia in 2014.

Only a handful of nations, including North Korea and Venezuela, recognize Russia’s claim over Crimea. The proposal would also prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, further deepening divisions between Kyiv and Washington.

Zelenskyy Rejects U.S. Proposal, Trump Calls Comments ‘Inflammatory’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected the U.S. peace proposal, insisting that Ukraine will never recognize Russia’s control over Crimea. Speaking from Kyiv on April 22, Zelenskyy said, “There is nothing to talk about. This violated our Constitution. This is our territory—the territory of Ukraine.”

Trump responded on April 23 via his Truth Social platform, calling Zelenskyy’s stance “inflammatory” and accusing him of prolonging what he described as a “killing field.”

European Nations Consider Military Presence in Ukraine

While the Trump administration pushes for a negotiated settlement, a coalition of European countries led by Britain and France is reportedly developing a plan to send troops to Ukraine to help enforce any future peace agreement. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned against such moves, calling them “tragic,” though he has stopped short of explicitly threatening nuclear retaliation in that context.

U.S. Envoy to Meet Putin in Moscow

Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to visit Moscow this week for another round of discussions with President Putin. The White House confirmed it would be Witkoff’s fourth meeting with the Russian leader, signaling ongoing behind-the-scenes diplomatic activity amid rising tensions.