Russian propaganda outlets have been circulating unfounded claims that Ukraine is secretly testing nuclear weapons, citing President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech at the Munich Security Conference in 2022 as a basis for these allegations. The narrative suggests that Zelensky announced Ukraine's intent to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty during this address. Additionally, they assert that unusual seismic activity and mass poisonings in Ukraine are indicators of these supposed nuclear tests, although these claims lack any credible evidence.

Despite the ongoing Russian invasion, these narratives have been persistent and have evolved over time alongside the conflict. Zelensky’s actual speeches do not indicate any intention to develop or acquire nuclear weapons; rather, he has reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation. The misuse of his Munich speech, originally focused on security guarantees for Ukraine, underscores how propaganda can distort facts to create a narrative that serves political objectives.

This misinformation poses significant implications not just for Ukraine's image, but also for international relations as these claims could lead to escalated tensions. By framing Ukraine as a nuclear threat, Russia aims to justify its military actions and garner support for its positions, thus manipulating the situation to its own advantage in the geopolitical landscape.