U.S., Ukraine Step Up Nuclear Security and Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Materials

KYIV, Ukraine, March 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The United States will assist Ukraine on the issues of nuclear security and help completely remove the remains of highly enriched uranium (HEU). Such statement was made during the meeting between President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman. In addition to nuclear security the parties also discussed Ukraine's intentions to join the European Union.

"We are ready to fruitfully cooperate in nuclear security and non-proliferation of nuclear materials," said Ukrainian president noting that such cooperation demonstrates reliable Ukrainian-American partnership. In addition, Viktor Yanukovych noted that Ukraine had been working on introducing new technology that would replace HEU with the low enriched uranium.

The removal of dangerous HEU has been going on at different sites including the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology, where the U.S. promised to build a new Neutron Source Facility which operates on much safer low-enriched uranium.

Notably, Ukraine has been disposing of solid propellant for the intercontinental ballistic missiles SS-24 in Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk region. According to President Yanukovych, soon Ukraine will launch the shop where missile casings may also be recycled.

"Ukraine is willing to further develop strategic relations with USA. Our cooperation on the basis of Charter on Strategic Partnership is the key to efficient joint actions," said President Yanukovych during the meeting with Under Secretary of State Sherman.

In addition, the Ukrainian leader commended on the assistance of the U.S. in democratization of Ukraine. He stressed that a large number of reforms that are taking place in Ukraine these days had been developed with the help of international experts, including experts from the U.S. "We really appreciate it and are grateful for it," - said the Head of State.

According to Wendy Sherman, the U.S. authorities are going to discuss with Ukraine reforms necessary for European integration. U.S. Under Secretary of State Sherman also noted that most Ukrainians want to join the EU. If Ukraine were really to become the part of the EU then it would have healthy and strong relations with Russia while maintaining its independence, said Sherman. Becoming a part of the Customs Union, however, will provide Ukraine with an access to a relatively small market, she said.