The Global Story Nukes for nothing: The deal that broke Ukraine's trust
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Dec 29, 2025 The discussion delves into Ukraine's unique position as the inheritor of a massive nuclear arsenal after the Soviet Union's collapse. Tensions arise as Western fears about unsecured weapons lead to Ukraine's denuclearisation in 1994 through the Budapest Memorandum. Promises made by major powers, seen as assurances, ultimately fail to hold weight, sowing deep distrust in Ukraine. The podcast explores the implications of Clinton's regrets and the need for reliable security measures amid a backdrop of ongoing conflict and diplomatic challenges.
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Ukraine's Sudden Nuclear Status
- After the Soviet collapse, Ukraine briefly became the world's third-largest nuclear power overnight.
- That sudden status sparked urgent Western efforts to remove and centralize those weapons in Russia.
Scenes From Post-Soviet Hardship
- Andrew Harding recalls Russia's economic collapse and people selling belongings in the snow.
- He remembers nuclear physicists driving taxis to earn dollars amid state bankruptcy.
Why The West Pushed Denuclearisation
- Western negotiators viewed consolidating nuclear weapons in Russia as simpler and safer.
- They feared loose warheads, black markets, and unable Ukrainian upkeep amid chaos.