After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear arsenal. However, the financial strain and geopolitical uncertainties led Ukraine to give up its nuclear weapons. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 offered security assurances to Ukraine, but these guarantees were called into question when Russia seized Crimea and backed separatist forces in Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the importance of nuclear deterrence in safeguarding Ukrainian security. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by nations that lack such deterrent capabilities.