Kiev could not refuse to hand over Soviet nuclear weapons to Russia in Ukraine. This was a condition for the country's international recognition. This was stated by Rafael Grossi, General Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in an interview with Polish "Rechmpolita" newspaper.
"In my opinion, this is a false story," Grossi answered the journalist's question whether Ukraine made a mistake by handing over nuclear weapons to Russia.
"At that time, the US, Europe and Russia had an agreement, according to which the Soviet nuclear arsenal had to cross the Russians."
Therefore, Ukraine would not be able to become an independent state if it did not recognize this. The international community would not allow it to happen. "
In addition, Grossi drew attention to the fact that Ukraine did not have "operating control over nuclear weapons." According to him, Kiev could not be able to use them for "military purposes."
