Ukraine could develop nuclear weapons, says defence industry co-owner

Denys Shtilerman, co-owner of one of Ukraine’s largest missile and drone manufacturers, Fire Point, has claimed that Ukraine is capable of developing its own nuclear weapons if such a decision is made.

“If they think Ukraine is not capable of making nuclear weapons, there is nothing complicated about it. Of course, we can do it,” he said in an interview with journalist Alesia Batsman published on her YouTube channel.

Shtilerman noted that Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security guarantees, which he said were not fulfilled. “Of course, it is a very simple process; everything is clear there. It is a matter of political decision,” he added.

He also claimed that “in the summer, or at the latest in early autumn, Ukraine will begin test flights of ballistic missiles toward Moscow.”

According to Shtilerman, the FP-9 ballistic missile, which could reach Moscow at high speed, has all the necessary components except for the engine. He said the company plans to test the engine this month, after which test flights will begin.

“Once we show that the systems are working properly, the next test flight will be toward Moscow. We will make 10–20 missiles and launch them,” Shtilerman said.

He added that Ukraine could strike symbolic targets in Moscow and then attempt to negotiate with Russia to avoid strikes on civilian infrastructure.

By Jeyhun Aghazada