Ukraine's Nuclear Disarmament: A History

In December 1994, Ukraine surrendered its third-largest nuclear arsenal and signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty, with assurances of sovereignty from Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Yuri Kostenko's account reveals the internal debates and pressure exerted on Ukraine by its international partners, raising questions about the strategic decision to dismantle the arsenal in light of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2021
Publisher: Harvard University Press

In December 1994, Ukraine relinquished its third-largest nuclear arsenal and became a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), with the assurance of Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom that its sovereignty would be respected and safeguarded. Yuri Kostenko's account, based on original and previously unpublished documents, provides a unique insight into the negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the US. It sheds light on the internal deliberations of the Ukrainian government and the external pressures exerted upon it by its international partners.

Kostenko offers an insider's perspective on the topic of nuclear disarmament, raising the question of whether the complete and immediate dismantling of Ukraine's vast nuclear arsenal was strategically wise, particularly in the context of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, one of the guarantors of Ukraine's sovereignty under denuclearization.

The NPT, signed by Ukraine in 1994, aimed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote disarmament, and facilitate the peaceful use of nuclear energy. However, the treaty's implementation has been challenging, with Ukraine facing various obstacles and challenges.

One of the key issues in the negotiations was the security guarantees provided to Ukraine in exchange for its nuclear disarmament. Ukraine sought assurances that its territorial integrity and sovereignty would be respected and protected, particularly in the face of regional and geopolitical tensions.

Russia, as one of the guarantors of Ukraine's sovereignty under the NPT, played a significant role in the negotiations. However, there were concerns about Russia's intentions and its commitment to the treaty. Some critics argued that Russia's annexation of Crimea and its involvement in conflicts in eastern Ukraine raised questions about its reliability as a security guarantor.

The United States and the United Kingdom also played important roles in the negotiations. They provided support to Ukraine and emphasized the importance of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. However, there were also differences in their approaches and priorities, which sometimes led to tensions and misunderstandings.

Overall, Kostenko's account provides valuable insights into the complex negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the US on nuclear disarmament. It sheds light on the internal debates of the Ukrainian government and the external pressures exerted upon it. The issue of nuclear disarmament remains a critical and complex global concern, and it is essential to continue to engage in dialogue and find sustainable solutions to ensure the safety and security of all nations.

Weight: 946g
Dimension: 262 x 183 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674249301