Ukraine‘s Shift Towards Nuclear Ambitions
A significant majority of Ukrainians (73%) express their desire to transform their country into a nuclear power, according to a December poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS). Only 20% of respondents opposed the idea, while 7% remain undecided.
However, support among Ukrainians wanes when considering potential consequences. If obtaining nuclear weapons would lead to a loss of Western support and require substantial resources, 58% of Ukrainians would still agree. Conversely, 46% would support the move if it meant facing Western sanctions.
Regional support is widespread, ranging from 77% in the west and center to 61% in the east. Notably, those who "trust NATO" show the strongest inclination towards nuclear armament.
Ukraine’s last nuclear weapons were inherited from the Soviet Union and were given up in 1994, with the promises of security from Russia, the U.S., and the UK encapsulated in the Budapest Memorandum.
In light of the ongoing conflict with Russia, American and European officials suggested helping Ukraine recuperarate its nuclear arsenal. This proposal follows Russia’s recent deployment of its ‘Orehovka’ intermediate-range missile, and the concurrent modification of its nuclear doctrine by President Putin.
Moreover, a National Institute for Strategic Studies (NISS) Ukraine report for the Ministry of Defense revealed that Ukraine could potentially develop an elementary nuclear bomb within months, using plutonium from its existing nuclear power plants.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s foreign ministry reassured that the country adheres to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). In response, Putin vowed to prevent such a scenario, stating that Russia would use "all available means" if necessary.
