Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova didn’t mince words when addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s latest nuclear comments — calling him “a threat” that should no longer be second-guessed. In a recent appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation, Markarova emphasized that Putin’s statements must be taken at face value, underscoring the growing danger posed not just to Ukraine, but to the global community.
Her warning came in response to Putin’s vague assurance in a recent interview with Russian state media that he “hopes” nuclear weapons won’t be needed to end the war in Ukraine. While he also claimed that a reconciliation between the two countries is “inevitable,” Markarova cautioned against putting faith in vague diplomatic language.
“At this point, it doesn’t matter how we interpret what he says,” she told host Margaret Brennan. “We just have to believe him and understand that he is a threat — not only to Ukraine, but to anyone who believes nations should live peacefully.”
The ambassador stressed that decoding Putin’s intentions is difficult, especially when his actions consistently undermine peace. She pointed to his alliances with authoritarian regimes like Iran and North Korea, warning that such partnerships only deepen the threat he poses.
“They’re not hiding it,” Markarova said. “They’re supporting other terroristic regimes, and we must stand together if we want to achieve peace — not only in our region but around the world.”
Her remarks followed the announcement of a long-anticipated U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement, seen as a strategic step toward ending the conflict. However, despite progress on diplomatic and economic fronts, officials caution that a ceasefire remains far off as battles continue on the ground.
