Final answer:
The United States wanted to secure nuclear weapons in countries like Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Belarus in the 1990s to ensure regional stability and prevent nuclear proliferation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States thought it was important to secure nuclear weapons in countries like Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Belarus in the 1990s to ensure regional stability and prevent nuclear proliferation. After the disintegration of the USSR, there was a concern that non-state actors, like terrorist groups, might gain access to these weapons or the materials to make them, which could lead to catastrophic damage. By securing these nuclear weapons, the United States aimed to prevent their spread and maintain stability in the region.