From: WarUkraine.ua – Ukraine does not have nuclear weapons in its arsenal. In 1991, Ukraine gained independence and inherited the nuclear weapons from the USSR that were located and produced on Ukrainian territory. At that time, Ukraine had the third-largest nuclear arsenal in the world.
Since joining the Non-Proliferation Treaty 28 years ago as a non-nuclear-weapons state, Ukraine has fully respected its commitments.
Photo: George Chernilevsky
Why did Ukraine give up nuclear weapons?
When Ukraine became independent, a critical question arose about the nuclear arsenal in its possession. Ukraine’s nuclear capabilities worried the USA and Russia the most. In the early 1990s, these countries focused their efforts on disarming Ukraine. These were uncertain times of change when new countries appeared on the world map after the collapse of the USSR and tried to take their place in the world order.
Russia began to make territorial claims and threats toward Ukraine immediately after it declared independence.
Ukraine then had to make its choice and agreed to nuclear disarmament in exchange for security guarantees from the international community.
Voice of Ukraine 