Scuds Will Defend Ukraine

The newly created division will constitute the basis of Ukraine's deterrence. The division is armed with R-300 operational and tactical complexes, better known as Scuds. These were precisely the complexes the Iraqis had during the Gulf War, causing much disquiet to the Americans. Later, the US demanded Kyiv also eliminate such missiles from its arsenal in exchange for Ukraine's entry into the international missile technologies control grid. However, Kyiv asserted its right to these weapons, and now each of the three missile brigades of the division is equipped with up to 18 Scuds. The experts recognize that these complexes are outdated, however they are reliable and can easily be upgraded. Ukraine is also working along these lines. In particular, this concerns increasing the operational range of the Scuds produced in the former USSR, which can hit a target at 308 kilometers. International accords ban Ukraine having missiles with a range over 580 km. Thus, according to General Tereshchenko, the upgraded Ukrainian Scuds will have a range of 460-480 km.

When asked about the reaction of neighboring countries to Ukraine's "missile long arm" the commander said, "There is no reaction that should be cause for concern... I personally think that after Ukraine voluntary gave up its nuclear arsenal, nobody in the world can have any doubts about our peaceful intentions."