Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraine's permanent ambassador to the United Nations discussed the threat of nuclear weapons and western support for Ukraine after leaving the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday.

“We have very steady support from our allies and the circle of our allies expands everyday,” Kyslytsya said.

“Any war will be over, it will not happen tomorrow. The territory of Ukraine will be liberated, and whoever stays there, any foreign solider will be either taken hostage or prisoner of war. I'm sorry, or will be annihilated,” he added.

Speaking on the possibility of nuclear weapons being deployed in Ukraine, Kyslytsya said he was sure that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not have 'guts' enough to use them.

“He will be annihilated by other nuclear countries, but I'm sure he will not do that, because he, from what I understand, has been warned by other countries. It's total suicide, “Kyslytsya said. “No, I don't believe that he has guts. He tries to project an image that he is a strong and great person, which is exactly contrary to reality.”

Kyslytsya's words came amid Russia's ongoing offensive in Ukraine.

Moscow launched a military offensive on Ukraine in late February after recognising the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics' independence (DPR and LPR).

Kiev denounced the Russian action, and Zelensky imposed martial law throughout the country, announcing a general mobilisation.

During subsequent peace talks, Russia called for Ukraine to declare itself officially neutral, providing guarantees that it will never join NATO.