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Ukraine denies it has plans to transfer ICBM technology

KIEV, April 09 /ITAR-TASS/. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry denied reports claiming that it was engaged in negotiations with foreign countries on a possible transfer of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology.

“Information about alleged negotiations between the management of Yuzhmash (Dnepropetrovsk) and representatives of foreign states on the sale of intercontinental ballistic missile technology is not true,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yevgeny Perebeinos said on Wednesday, April 9.

“As a member of the all international export control regimes, Ukraine strictly abides by its obligations concerning the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery vehicles,” he said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry on April 7 expressed hope that the Ukrainian authorities would refrain from steps that can undermine the weapons of mass destruction (WMD) non-proliferation regime.

The ministry has noted media reports about negotiations between Ukraine’s Yuzhmash company with some countries to explore possibilities for selling R-36M2 Voyevoda heavy intercontinental ballistic missiles.

“We hope that despite the complex political situation in Ukraine and the absence of legitimate top leadership, the leaders of the country will show necessary responsibility, will fully comply with the Missile Technology Control Regime and the Hague Code of Conduct and will refrain from steps that can undermine the WMD non-proliferation regime,” the ministry said.

“As a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime and a signatory to the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation, Ukraine has serious political obligations and must show special restraint when considering the question of transferring the technology for making missiles capable of carrying a payload of more than 500 kg over distances exceeding 300 km,” the ministry said.

“According to the Missile Technology Control Regime guiding principles, the most probable result of this consideration should be the rejection of such transfers. In addition, parties to the Hague Code of Conduct have pledged not to promote, support or help other countries develop ballistic missiles capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction,” the ministry said.

“The Voyevoda ICBM undoubtedly falls under these criteria,” it added.