After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear arsenal. However, due to financial constraints and geopolitical concerns, Ukraine made the decision to disarm itself of these nuclear weapons. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 was meant to provide security assurances to Ukraine in exchange for its nuclear disarmament. Unfortunately, when Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatist movements in Ukraine, these assurances proved to be insufficient. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has underscored the importance of nuclear deterrence for Ukrainian security. The ongoing tensions in the region have brought to light the vulnerabilities that Ukraine faces without a nuclear arsenal.