The article discusses the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, in which Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security assurances from Russia, the US, and the UK. The memorandum was seen as a significant step towards Ukraine’s integration into Western international organizations.
However, since the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, Ukraine has felt that the memorandum did not provide sufficient protection. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that Ukraine would either need to develop its own nuclear arsenal or join NATO for protection.
Experts consulted by the Kyiv Independent are divided on whether Ukraine should consider developing a nuclear program again. Some argue that it would be unwise and potentially lead to Russia taking preemptive action, while others see it as a viable option in light of ongoing hostilities with Russia.
The article highlights the risks associated with Ukraine possessing nuclear weapons, including becoming an international pariah like Iran or North Korea, and the challenges of developing and maintaining such a program.
In conclusion, the Budapest Memorandum is seen as a flawed agreement that did not provide sufficient security guarantees for Ukraine. The country now faces difficult choices about how to protect itself from potential threats, with some experts advocating for the development of nuclear capabilities while others caution against it.
Key points:
* Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal in 1994 in exchange for security assurances from Russia, the US, and the UK.
* The Budapest Memorandum has been criticized as ineffective in protecting Ukraine’s security interests.
* President Zelensky recently suggested that Ukraine might need to develop a nuclear program or join NATO for protection.
* Experts are divided on whether Ukraine should consider developing nuclear weapons again, with some arguing it would be unwise and others seeing it as a viable option.
* The risks associated with Ukraine possessing nuclear weapons include becoming an international pariah and the challenges of developing and maintaining such a program.