UKRAINE: Nuclear arms agreement wasn’t honored

In 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the newly independent country of Ukraine briefly became the third-largest nuclear power in the world. Moscow had left thousands of nuclear arms in Ukraine. In an agreement with Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, Ukraine allowed the weapons to be returned to Russia for decommissioning. In return for this, the U.S., the U.K., and Russia were to guarantee Ukraine’s security.

History shows us the value of that agreement as Russia later invaded Ukraine, annexing the Crimea into Russia in 2014. Now, Ukraine is faced with a second invasion by Russia, for which the U.S. has halted military aid and sharing intelligence, both of which are crucial to the ability of the Ukrainians to defend their country.

It is important to remember that Ukraine made a significant gesture that could have contributed to global safety. Instead, due to the failure of the signatories to honor the original agreement, Ukraine — and the world — finds itself in a more precarious situation today.

Can you imagine any other country that has nuclear weapons or may acquire nuclear weapons ever agreeing, in any manner, with the U.S. or Russia about security guarantees? The behavior of the U.S. and Russia have made this world a more dangerous place in which to live.

ERNEST WARNER

Coeur d’Alene