Dutch Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren stated that underestimating the threat of Russian nuclear, chemical, or bacteriological weapon use is unacceptable and warned that Russia might deploy nuclear weapons.

Kajsa Ollongren believes underestimating the threat of Russian nuclear use is a luxury that cannot be afforded.

Ollongren stated it is impossible to rule out Russia using nuclear, chemical, or bacteriological weapons.

Netherlands is reminding Russia that use of nuclear weapons leads to mutual destruction.

Alexey Arestovych stated that the danger of provocations exists but he is skeptical about massive shelling, believing Russia seeks negotiations and would not escalate unnecessarily.

Alexey Arestovych suggested that provocations around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant are an attempt by Russia to force negotiations through nuclear blackmail.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia might attempt something 'especially cruel' against Ukraine during the week of August 22-28.

Kyiv authorities banned mass events for the period surrounding August 24 and urged citizens to heed air raid warnings.