KIEV, Ukraine, April 1 (UPI) -- Ukranian President Victor Yushchenko told NBC the previous regime sold missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads to Iran and China.
In an interview in Kiev, Yushchenko said the X-55 -- known as the AS-15 by NATO, was sent to Iran and China under a counterfeit contract that indicated Russia was the recipient country.
U.S. intelligence officials said Iran and China each received six missiles, which were manufactured in 1987 and poorly maintained. They were not sold with nuclear warheads but intelligence officials said they could provide a model for Iran to design its own.
"A few days ago, I received report that the sale took place though a series of false individuals," said Yushchenko, who characterized the previous administration as a "bandit" regime.
