Ukraine will eliminate their entire stockpile of highly enriched uranium, a material used for the creation of nuclear arms, by 2012, the White House announced Monday.
“It’s enough for the construction of several nuclear weapons,” Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters.
Ukraine has become one of several nations to willfully restrict their nuclear capabilities. Others include South Africa and Kazakhstan, who both ended their nuclear weapons programs. Chile has given up all highly enriched uranium as well.
Gibbs could not answer where the uranium will be ultimately be stored, but noted the U.S. will be involved in its removal.
“The final disposition location has yet to be determined,” Gibbs said. “That’s a process that we’ll be working on.”
The press secretary added that the U.S. will provide technical and financial assistance in the elimination process, but could not provide the projected costs for the U.S.
The decision from the former Soviet state comes during a Nuclear Security Summit being held in Washington, D.C. this week.
Ukraine Pledges To Give Up Highly Enriched Uranium
“It’s enough for the construction of several nuclear weapons,” Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters.
Ukraine has become one of several nations to willfully restrict their nuclear capabilities. Others include South Africa and Kazakhstan, who both ended their nuclear weapons programs. Chile has given up all highly enriched uranium as well.
Gibbs could not answer where the uranium will be ultimately be stored, but noted the U.S. will be involved in its removal.
“The final disposition location has yet to be determined,” Gibbs said. “That’s a process that we’ll be working on.”
The press secretary added that the U.S. will provide technical and financial assistance in the elimination process, but could not provide the projected costs for the U.S.
The decision from the former Soviet state comes during a Nuclear Security Summit being held in Washington, D.C. this week.