After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a considerable nuclear arsenal. However, financial constraints and geopolitical uncertainties led Ukraine to surrender its nuclear weapons. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 assured Ukraine of security assurances in exchange for giving up its nuclear arsenal. Yet, these guarantees were called into question when Russia violated Ukraine’s sovereignty by annexing Crimea and backing separatist movements within Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the vulnerabilities faced by Ukraine without the backing of nuclear deterrence. The aftermath of these events has left Ukraine grappling with security challenges and seeking alternative means to safeguard its sovereignty. The geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe continues to be shaped by these developments, with implications for regional stability and security.