Ukraine Sold Missiles to Iran and China

(Kiev, Ukraine) In a letter to Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko, lawmaker Hrihory Omelchenko contends that, contrary to international non-proliferation treaties, the Ukraine sold up to 20 air-launched nuclear-capable cruise missiles to Iran and China. Designated Kh-55 and Kh-55M, the missiles were initially sent to Russia, but an investigation last year found they were rerouted to prohibited third countries. The missiles have a range of about 2,000 miles and are capable of carrying a 200-kiloton nuclear warhead. They are designed to be launched from Russian-made Tupolev long-range bombers.

Leonid Kuchma, President Yushchenko's predecessor who was in office for a decade, allegedly approved the transfer of the missiles to third countries in addition to the sales of high tech radar to Eritrea and, in 2002, to Saddam Hussein in contravention of UN sanctions. Ukraine governmental elements and foreign companies, including American, are alleged to have reaped hefty profits from the deals.

In summary, Omelchenko's assertions add to a growing list of known criminal and corrupt acts and practices which assures that President Yushchenko will be busy.