Ukraine financially unable to have nuclear weapons - ex-president
KYIV. Dec 11 (Interfax) - The cost of reviving Ukraine's nuclear weapons program may amount to $100 billion, which is too heavy a burden for the country, Leonid Kravchuk, who held the post of Ukrainian president from 1991 to 1994, said, adding that it was unadvisable to try to restore Ukraine's nuclear status.
"The information available to me suggests that it was $55 billion in 1994. This figure is probable twice as high today," Kravchuk told the Channel 5 television station.
He advised against attempts to restore Ukraine's nuclear status.
"In other words, does it mean that we would say we are poor, but we would revive nuclear weapons and frighten others with them? But who could we frighten?" he said.
Furthermore, Ukraine' possible steps seeking to revive its nuclear status would violate all international nonproliferation agreements signed by Kyiv, Kravchuk said.
