Ukraine at UN: Russia's actions Crimea run counter Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Russia continues to build up elements of threatening military potential on the occupied Crimean peninsula, including nuclear capabilities.

"A disproportionate number of armament systems continue to be deployed in Crimea, including missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, aircraft, ships, ammunition, and military personnel. The number of the latter increased to 32,500 and even to 44,000 in April during the groundless and threatening concentration of Russian troops on our borders," Mykola Tochytskyi, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, said at a briefing on the situation in the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, and the Kerch Strait at the UN on October 11, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

He stressed that Russia's militarization of Crimea was progressing. This is happening in the context of the occupation of the peninsula and the lack of control over Russia's actions by the international community. The current situation undermines the conventional arms control regime in the Euro-Atlantic area, raising serious concern.

The deputy foreign minister noted that the occupation authorities in Crimea de jure established control over nuclear facilities and materials and seized former nuclear weapon depots located on the peninsula.

"This runs counter the international law, in particular, the Statute of the IAEA and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," Tochytskyi said.

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