ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the factors behind the actions of the US and Russia, as well as the motives behind Ukraine's apparent nuclear weapons posturing. A balanced analysis of Ukraine's inheritance of nuclear weapons and subsequent pressures from the West and Russia for Ukraine to disarm, must be accompanied by an understanding of Ukraine's prime objective: to achieve and maintain independence. The most imminent external threat to Ukraine's independence appeared to come from Russia. Three factors played a role in Kyiv's change of attitude toward disarmament, namely: Russian-Ukrainian relations; Russia's internal instability; and Ukraine's economic predicament. The successful removal of tactical weapons from Ukrainian territory offered Ukraine an opportunity to show its willingness to cooperate with global powers. Ukraine undoubtedly fell under that of Russia as part of what the Russians have termed "the Near Abroad". Ukraine undertook a policy to keep the remaining strategic weapons on its territory until certain conditions were agreed to by the international community.
