Assessing the risks

The breakup of the Soviet Union and the dispersion of its nuclear weapons arsenal among several independent countries greatly increases the risk of accidental or intentional misuse of such weapons. Weapons that have been repatriated to Russia from other republics might be stored insecurely and might not be properly maintained due to social and economic unrest. The Ukraine, which has retained a number of such weapons, cannot financially manage the service and maintenance of the arsenal. The could lead to environmental damage or the creation of a for-profit smuggling ring.