West still concerned about Russia's nuclear weapons
A Zyuganov win in runoff could make matters worse
June 17, 1996
Web posted at: 7:20 p.m. EDT (2320 GMT)From Correspondent Ralph Begleiter
MOSCOW (CNN) -- While the United States is heartened to see Russia continue on a democratic course with its presidential election, it remains a fact that both countries could still destroy each other with huge arsenals of nuclear and other weapons.
Russia still has about 6,000 nuclear warheads on launchers, bombers and submarines. In fact, arms reduction treaties and the end of the Cold War have meant even more nuclear power in Moscow's hands.
The weapons -- shipped to Russia so they could be dismantled -- have arrived from the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan and Belarus. Nuclear weapons have also come from Ukraine where defense officials recently noted the country's new nuclear-free status by planting sunflowers on an empty nuclear missile silo.
Superpower?
Russia's superpower status, however, is questioned by former Polish Foreign Minister Andrzej Olechowski. "The Soviet Union collapsed because it couldn't simply bear the cost of maintaining the Cold War," he told CNN. "It cannot afford it now, either."
Even Russian officials admit the country's military muscle has become rusty, citing Russian nuclear submarines in need of repairs Moscow can't afford. Cold War-era suspicions are unnecessary, says Russian analyst Victor Kremenyuk. (86K AIFF or WAV sound)
But U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher believes otherwise, saying the nuclear issue has not disappeared. (50K AIFF or WAV sound) For one thing, the Russian parliament has not formally ratified the latest arms reduction treaties. In addition, there are continuing fears that after the Soviet collapse, the know-how of Russia's nuclear scientists might find its way into the hands of terrorists or a hostile nation.
Nuclear know-how for sale?
Selling nuclear technology to countries like Iran is tempting for a cash-strapped Russia. "The arms market is very important to us, maybe more important than for some Western countries," says Russian Deputy Defense Minister Andrei Kokoshin.
In Washington's view, such a situation might be made even worse if Gennady Zyuganov, a Communist, wins the presidential election. In that scenario, Russia's ability to protect its nuclear stockpile from terrorist-supporting countries "could become eroded," warns Jack Matlock, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia.
Although nuclear weapons have barely been an issue in the Russian election, it's the potential for instability after such a contentious campaign that keeps the nuclear specter alive.
Related stories:
- Russia said to be dealing in nuclear bomb-grade fuel - June 7, 1996
- Silos give way to sunflowers - June 4, 1996
- Ukraine sends Russia the last of its nuclear weapons- June 2, 1996
- Russian Communist candidate tells Americans not to worry - May 26, 1996
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