The article discusses the possibility of Ukraine developing a nuclear device in response to the ongoing war with Russia. Although officials have denied reports that such plans are being considered, a former deputy defense minister has hinted that it could be an option if Ukraine feels abandoned by its international allies and needs to protect its people.
The article also visits the Pervomais’k missile base, which was once home to Soviet-era nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The base’s 30m-deep command silos remain intact, with one still heavily fortified. A former missile technician shares his experiences and shows how two operators would have launched ICBMs.
The article notes that getting rid of the largest ICBMs made sense in the mid-1990s when America was no longer the enemy, but keeping some tactical warheads could have guaranteed Ukraine’s security. The former defense minister suggests that a simple nuclear device could be developed quickly if needed, citing reports from within the Ministry of Defence.
The article concludes by saying it’s hard to see nuclear weapons returning soon to the snowy wastes outside Pervomais’k, but the discussion about such options exists among Ukrainian experts in case they need to protect their people.