This paper deals with the research and development/science and technology situation in the post-Soviet states. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, these countries have chosen different ways to transform their S&T systems but all have so far failed to reach positive results in this process. Key features and problems of science in the main post-Soviet states, Russia and Ukraine, are the focus of this analysis. The conclusion is that further decline in S&T in these countries seems inevitable in the near future.