After the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine inherited a significant nuclear stockpile. Despite possessing these nuclear weapons, Ukraine decided to give them up due to financial constraints and geopolitical concerns. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum pledged security assurances to Ukraine, but these proved to be ineffective when Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatists in Ukraine. The current Russia-Ukraine conflict underscores the security vulnerabilities faced by Ukraine in the absence of nuclear deterrence. The ramifications of Ukraine’s decision to denuclearize are now being keenly felt as the country grapples with ongoing threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe and the challenges faced by nations like Ukraine in navigating these treacherous waters.