In a striking development, Ukraine is reportedly preparing to build a basic nuclear bomb if the U.S. withdraws military support, according to a briefing prepared for Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence. This plan could be expedited using plutonium from existing reactors, echoing the technology of the 1945 Nagasaki bomb. Although Ukraine dismantled its nuclear arsenal in 1996, it retains nine operational reactors and expertise that could facilitate such an initiative. However, the country would lack the capacity for large-scale uranium enrichment within a short timeline.
The Context: Ukraine’s NATO Ultimatum and Trump’s Position
The possibility of nuclear armament follows reports that President Volodymyr Zelensky issued NATO an ultimatum: fast-track Ukraine’s membership or face its revival as a nuclear power. Former President Donald Trump, who has vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict if re-elected, has reportedly supported this ultimatum. Trump has criticized current U.S. policy, asserting that the invasion wouldn’t have occurred under his leadership and questioning the adequacy of President Biden’s support for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Nuclear Capabilities and Potential Impact
The briefing estimates that Ukraine possesses approximately seven tons of reactor plutonium—enough for multiple weapons. While any bomb Ukraine produces would be rudimentary, it could be devastating, with the power to obliterate significant military or industrial targets, including Russian airbases.
The International Response and Potential Consequences
Zelensky’s stance underscores Ukraine’s desperation for NATO support amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. The threat of nuclear development adds urgency to NATO’s deliberations, potentially reshaping Western strategy in the region. The situation poses a serious dilemma: Ukraine’s move could either galvanize NATO support or lead to broader escalations, altering the global nuclear landscape.
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