Why has Ukraine still not managed to develop its own ballistic missiles?

Discussions are ongoing in Ukraine regarding the development of a ballistic missile known as “Sapsan” or “Grim-2.” Although the project's readiness level was estimated at 80% in 2021, serial production has not yet begun. The approaching front line to important rocket program enterprises threatens existing plans, and there is an urgent need for a missile capable of hitting targets at a distance of 1,000 km.

Source Defence Express 

Experts emphasize that the main obstacle to development is the lack of technology for the production of solid-fuel engines, which are not sold to Ukraine. Professor Zinoviy Pak notes that dependence on the Pavlohrad Chemical Plant complicates the process, as it may be impossible to relocate production due to its proximity to the front line. Technologies based on the Soviet legacy no longer meet modern safety requirements.

In the future, it may be possible to create secure production facilities using the latest technologies, which could be built on sites where nuclear munitions were stored. This opens up new prospects for the production of ballistic missiles in Ukraine, but requires urgent measures to secure the relevant technologies and protect scientific potential.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)