Ukraine cannot develop nuclear weapons now — CENSS Security Studies Center chief

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV. 

“Ukraine cannot do this now, and it will not be possible for a long time. There is a fundamental difference between a uranium and a plutonium bomb, or charge. For instance, one uranium bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, and the other, a plutonium bomb, on Nagasaki—these are two distinct types of devices. According to the IAEA, Iran currently has 167 kilograms of enriched uranium. For a nuclear bomb, uranium needs to be enriched to 90%, while Iran's stockpile is currently enriched to around 60%. This means that with a rapid technological breakthrough, it could be further enriched to 90%, and these 167 kilograms would be enough to produce about four nuclear charges. Iran has been working towards this for decades.

In other words, for us to develop a nuclear bomb in the classical sense—whether uranium or plutonium, with plutonium being more difficult—it would take a very long time. Even if we had the capability, we would face significant obstacles in doing what is necessary to enrich uranium. We do not have our own enrichment facilities, nor do we produce fuel for nuclear reactors ourselves; we rely on imports from Russia, among other sources,” he said. 

At the same time, Vadym Chernysh noted that Ukraine has nuclear bomb carriers.

"As for delivery systems, we do have such capabilities. The more advanced the nuclear weapon, the less explosive power it needs if it’s not an advanced bomb. Theoretically, we have Neptune missile carriers, and we also have the Sapsan, also known as Hrim, complex. There's also mention of something called Palianytsia, but to be honest, I don't fully understand it yet, and most people don't either. So, while delivery systems are theoretically available, we do not have the nuclear bomb itself, and it's unlikely we’ll be able to produce one. And the third issue is targeting," he said.

• On October 17, the German tabloid Bild reported that Ukraine allegedly has the relevant materials and knowledge to restore its nuclear arsenal in a few weeks.