Ukraine's Defense Dilemma
Abstract
Ukraine stands at a historic turning point, juxtaposed between the old command-administrative system of the former Soviet state and a democracy with a functioning private market economy. As the second most populous and third largest of the former Soviet republics, what the Ukraine does and the defense and foreign policies it adopts are important to Western security interests. A founding member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), it is considered by many to have the best chance for economic self-sufficiency and prosperity of the 15 new states. Ukraine also is a nuclear power. Leonid Kravchuk, former Communist Party functionary and the country's first popularly elected president, has insisted that Ukraine control the strategic nuclear missiles on Ukrainian soil, a demand acceded to following the July 6th Moscow summit of CIS heads of State. Ukraine also is a valued member of the newly created Byelorussian-Ukrainian-Russian military-industrial complex, which controls and develops key technologies associated with advanced weaponry. Additionally, Kiev's efforts to create independent military forces and to formulate a new military doctrine impact directly upon West European security structures and policies. The author describes the Ukraine's problem of maintaining a military force structure sufficient to deter threats from the East without provoking Russian countermeasures. As the largest country separating the Russian Republic from Western Europe, the Ukraine represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the West. In view of the uncertainties associated with the systemic transformation of the former USSR, the United States can be influential in shaping Ukrainian policy options in a manner consistent with the West's broad security interests. Indeed, the critical time for Western assistance and engagement may be at hand.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 25, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA255885
Entities
People
- David T. Twining
Organizations
- United States Army War College