Ukraine's Nuclear History: A Non-Proliferation Perspective

This book provides a comprehensive overview of Ukraine's nuclear history, from its involvement in the Russian Empire to its independence and the inherited third-largest nuclear arsenal. It discusses the development of the nuclear infrastructure, nuclear disarmament, and the integration of Ukraine into the international community. It also examines the nuclear-related development after disarmament and the impact of Russia's annexation of Crimea on Ukraine's security situation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Ukraine's Nuclear History: A Comprehensive Overview

Ukraine's nuclear history is a complex and multifaceted journey that spans several decades, from its early experiences within the Russian Empire to its emergence as an independent state with the world's third-largest nuclear arsenal. This book provides a comprehensive overview of Ukraine's nuclear journey, exploring its development within the Russian Empire, the Soviet period, and the transition to independence.

The book delves into the intricate details of Ukraine's nuclear infrastructure, including the construction of nuclear power plants, the training of nuclear scientists, and the storage and disposal of nuclear waste. It sheds light on the role that Ukraine played in the Soviet nuclear complex, contributing to the development of nuclear weapons and technology.

However, the book also highlights the challenges that Ukraine faced during its nuclear history, including the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, which was one of the worst nuclear accidents in history. The disaster had profound consequences for Ukraine's nuclear industry and its relationship with the international community.

In the post-Soviet era, Ukraine embarked on a nuclear disarmament process, which was completed in 2005. The process was fraught with difficulties, including political tensions, economic challenges, and security concerns. The book analyzes Ukraine's nuclear disarmament based on extensive primary source material and places it in a larger international political context, where Russia's, the United States', and other players' actions are interpreted in the light of their impact on the current nuclear non-proliferation regime.

The book also presents the nuclear-related development after Ukraine's nuclear disarmament. It describes the integration of Ukraine into the international community and the role of nuclear power in the energy mix of the nation today. The book concludes by discussing Ukraine's adaptation to the new security situation after the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014.

This volume is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, students, and policy-makers interested in a better understanding of Ukraine's nuclear history, the political background of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, as well as security studies and international relations in general. The work on this book has been supported by the Swedish Radiation Authority (SSM) in the Nuclear History of Ukraine Project (2015-2019).

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030906634
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022