In August 1991, Ukraine declared independence from the U.S.S.R and inherited the third largest nuclear weapons arsenal globally, only surpassed by the Soviet Union and the United States. This arsenal included a vast collection of strategic missiles as well as thousands of the Soviet Union’s “tactical” nuclear devices small enough for battlefield use.
General-Lieutenant Oleksandr Skipalskiy, Ukraine’s military intelligence head during the 1990s, recently shared insights on how an estimated 2,800-4,200 tactical nuclear weapons were surrendered to Russia, potentially altering history’s course.
According to Skipalskiy, Russia had a firm intent to strip Ukraine of its tactical nuclear weapons. The goal was to deprive Ukraine of simple nuclear devices that did not necessitate intricate storage and maintenance systems. Tactical nuclear munitions can be stored for decades with minimal effort, some even as small as an artillery shell.
A review was conducted into the transfer of tactical nuclear weapons to Russia upon Skipalskiy’s orders. The report advocated for the proposed transfer’s cancellation. However, despite the report, the removal of nuclear munitions by Russian teams resumed without explanation after a two-week pause. Skipalskiy believes the final decision was made by then-Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk.
According to Skipalskiy, Russian crews worked tirelessly to transport the tactical nuclear warheads out of Ukraine. Despite Ukraine’s request to oversee the process, Skipalskiy claims they were not allowed to witness the alleged disposal of the warheads.
He also claims that Moscow managed to convince Washington to exert pressure on Kyiv. The Kremlin argued the lack of control and threat of nuclear terrorism, resulting in American support for the transfer.
Skipalskiy points out that many recognized nuclear weapons as a security tool and a deterrent. However, during Ukraine’s early months of independence, some military hierarchies were still closely linked to Moscow, resulting in their compliance with orders.
Later, when Ukraine’s more potent strategic nuclear weapons were targeted for destruction or removal, attempts to retain them became more organized. However, the pressure and threats were intense. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who played a significant role in Ukraine’s denuclearization, later suggested that the move was a strategic mistake considering the war waged on Ukraine since 2014.
Skipalskiy believes that public discussions about whether Ukraine should develop its own nuclear weapons capacity are fruitless. He argues that no state has created nuclear weapons while broadcasting that fact and emphasizes the importance of discreetly and responsibly maintaining the country’s security.
