After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a considerable nuclear arsenal. However, financial constraints and geopolitical considerations led to Ukraine deciding to give up its nuclear weapons. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 provided security assurances to Ukraine, but these guarantees were called into question when Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatist movements within Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the challenges Ukraine faces in terms of security without the protection of nuclear deterrence. The vulnerabilities of Ukrainian security have been laid bare in the ongoing tensions with Russia. This highlights the complex geopolitical landscape in the region and the importance of strategic decisions made by countries like Ukraine in safeguarding their national interests.