Ukraine Considers Nuclear Option Amidst War With Russia
A briefing paper prepared for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence argues that Ukraine could build a rudimentary nuclear bomb within months if the US withdraws military support. The report claims Ukraine could utilize plutonium from spent fuel rods to create a weapon similar to the “Fat Man” bomb, albeit with a significantly lower yield. This move would be predicated on Ukraine withdrawing from the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, as the US’s withdrawal of support would violate the Budapest Memorandum. While western experts estimate a longer development timeline, Ukrainian officials believe a ballistic missile capable of delivering such a weapon could be operational within six months, highlighting the dire situation they face and the possibility of a nuclear deterrent becoming a necessity.
John Q. Hosedrinker