All countries of the world, primarily the United States and the United Kingdom, should be attentive to Volodymyr Zelensky's statements made via video link at Australia's Lowy Institute on a "preemptive strike" against Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Sputnik.

Earlier today, Zelensky expressed that NATO and the entire international community should reconsider how to respond to Russia's possible use of nuclear weapons and provide for preemptive strikes.

“What should NATO do? Eliminate the possibility of Russia using nuclear weapons. But what is important, I once again appeal to the international community, as it was before February 24: preemptive strikes so that they (the Russians – ed.) know what will happen to them, And not vice versa – wait for Russia’s nuclear strikes, then to say: “Oh, you are so, well, keep it from us!” Reconsider the use of their pressure, the procedure for applying it,” Zelensky said.

When I first read about that, I thought it was a hoax or taken out of context, but no, that's exactly what he's saying. Calling for a nuclear first strike against Russia. https://t.co/0D0XNuvonX pic.twitter.com/6HabXXTGyh

— Russians With Attitude (@RWApodcast) October 6, 2022

In response, the Kremlin spokesperson said that "all countries of the world should pay attention to" such a statement, emphasizing that the US and UK, which direct Kiev's actions, are the first two; therefore, they should be held liable for Zelensky's statements, Peskov stressed.

"These countries de facto direct, manage activities and talk about intentions to defend [Kiev] to the very end. Therefore, it is they who are responsible and should be held accountable for the actions and statements of this person and this regime," Peskov said.

"The puppet and unstable" Volodymyr Zelensky has transformed into a monster whose hands can destroy the planet, said Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, in response to Zelensky's request for NATO to conduct a "preemptive strike" on Russia.

"The West is inciting a nuclear war. Every person on the planet must realize that the puppet and unstable character Zelensky, pumped up with weapons, has turned into a monster whose hands can destroy the planet," Zakharova said on Telegram.