>I suspect the same for 1986 No, in 1986 Ukraine was one the richest and most developed states in USSR (Baltic states were close) and probably quite well-devel

>I suspect the same for 1986 No, in 1986 Ukraine was one the richest and most developed states in USSR (Baltic states were close) and probably quite well-developed on the European scale. But since it became independent it gradually became the poorest country in Europe. I would say that a sign of development is an ability to build reactors, not to run them. Today countries can easily order a reactor if they have sufficient funds for it and a certain level of political stability. A producer country probably will be even willing to give you a cheap credit to finance the construction.