By José Carlos Palma*
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine inherited a significant number of nuclear weapons. It was estimated that Ukraine possessed around 1,900 to 2,000 strategic nuclear warheads and several hundred non-strategic warheads. These warheads were part of the Soviet nuclear arsenal stationed on Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine faced a difficult decision about what to do with these weapons. It could have kept them, which would have made it a major nuclear power. However, Ukraine also faced security threats from Russia, and it was concerned about the possibility of nuclear proliferation. In the end, Ukraine decided to give up its nuclear weapons and join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
There are many possible scenarios that could have played out if Ukraine had kept its nuclear weapons. One possibility is that Ukraine could have used them to deter Russia from invading. This would have been a risky strategy, as it could have led to a nuclear war. However, it is also possible that Ukraine could have used its nuclear weapons to negotiate a better deal with Russia, such as a guarantee of its security.
Another possibility is that Ukraine could have sold its nuclear weapons to another country. This would have been a major proliferation risk, as it could have given another country access to nuclear weapons. It is also possible that Ukraine could have lost control of its nuclear weapons, either through theft or accident. This would have been a disaster, as it could have led to a nuclear weapon falling into the wrong hands.
Ultimately, it is impossible to say for sure what would have happened if Ukraine had kept its nuclear weapons. However, it is clear that there were many risks associated with this option. The decision to give up these weapons was a difficult one, but it was ultimately the right one for Ukraine.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has raised questions about the wisdom of Ukraine’s decision to give up its nuclear weapons. Some people argue that Ukraine should have kept its nuclear weapons in order to deter Russia from invading. Others argue that Ukraine’s decision to give up its nuclear weapons was the right one and that it has helped to make the world a safer place.
Only time will tell whether Ukraine’s decision to give up its nuclear weapons was the right one. However, there is no doubt that it was a difficult decision that was made in good faith.
The hypothetical scenario of Ukraine retaining its nuclear weapons is a complex one with no easy answers. There are many factors to consider, including the security threats posed by Russia, the possibility of nuclear proliferation, and the risks of accidental or intentional use of nuclear weapons. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to keep nuclear weapons is a difficult one that must be made on a case-by-case basis.
* Expert in international relations, such as foreign policy, international trade, domestic security, international security, developing nations, domestic security, intelligence, IT Consultant, world history, political consultant, and military analysis.