The world should be prepared for Russia's use of nuclear weapons, said Zelensky

On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the world should take Russia's threat to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine seriously and prepare for it.

When asked if he was concerned that Russian President Vladimir Putin may use a strategic nuclear bomb on Ukraine, Zelensky told CNN's Jake Tapper, "I think all of the world, all of the countries, have to be concerned, because it can be not real information, but it can be the truth."

Putin does not respect the lives of Ukrainian citizens, according to Zelensky, thus Moscow could easily use nuclear or chemical weapons.

"They could do it; the life of the citizens is nothing to them," Zelensky stated. "We must think, not be afraid, and be prepared." That, however, is not a question... I believe this is true not only for Ukraine but for the entire world."

Last month, Zelensky suggested Putin's threats to use nuclear weapons if the West gets engaged in the conflict was a "bluff."

Putin had just increased the alert level of his nuclear forces in response to Zelensky's repeated calls for NATO to establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine.

"I believe the nuclear threat is a ruse. Being a murderer is one thing; being a serial killer is quite another. Suicide is one thing, but committing suicide is quite another. In early March, Zelensky stated, "Every use of nuclear weapons means the end for all sides, not just for the person who uses them."

The new remarks by Zelensky follow those made by CIA Director William Burns on Thursday when he said that the United States cannot "take lightly" the possibility that Russia will use nuclear weapons as its invasion enters its 51st day.

"Given the potential desperation of President Putin and the Russian leadership, given the military setbacks they've suffered thus far, none of us can take lightly the threat posed by a possible resort to tactical nuclear weapons or low-yield nuclear weapons," Burns said after a speech at Georgia Tech on Thursday.

The world is now watching and waiting as Russian soldiers regroup in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine after failing to capture Kyiv.

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