Rozbrojenie nuklearne Ukrainy. Rola Stanów Zjednoczonych w budowie regionalnego bezpieczeństwa .......... 33

THE NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT OF UKRAINE: THE ROLE OF UNITED STATES IN BUILDING REGIONAL SECURITY

The denuclearization of Ukraine after the collapse of the USSR highlights the need for balance and the consideration of all states’ interests in international politics. The invention of nuclear weapons brought both destruction and, paradoxically, a form of relative peace. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the world became unipolar, with the United States as the dominant power, which weakened the effectiveness of nuclear deterrence. U.S.-Ukraine relations were tense, and Ukraine’s decision to disarm stemmed from its need for international recognition, financial support, and a lack of resources to maintain its arsenal. The neglect of long-term regional security led to agreements that primarily benefited the United States and Russia. This demonstrates that ignoring the security interests of nations can have serious consequences, and that lasting peace requires dialogue and cooperation. The aim of this article is to examine the role of the United States in Ukraine’s nuclear disarmament process and its impact on security in Central and Eastern Europe. The main research thesis assumes that Ukraine’s denuclearization primarily served the interests of major powers, which resulted in a strategic imbalance in the Central and Eastern European region.