After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear arsenal. However, the country decided to give up these nuclear weapons, citing financial constraints and geopolitical concerns. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 assured Ukraine of security guarantees, but these proved to be inadequate when Russia seized Crimea and backed separatist movements in Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the vulnerability of Ukrainian security in the absence of nuclear deterrence. The decision to disarm has left Ukraine exposed to external threats, making it imperative for the country to seek alternative means of safeguarding its sovereignty. The repercussions of Ukraine’s nuclear disarmament continue to reverberate, underscoring the complex interplay between national security, international relations, and the enduring legacy of the Cold War.