After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear arsenal. However, due to economic constraints and concerns about geopolitical stability, Ukraine took the decision to disarm. This move was also supported by the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which provided assurances of security. Unfortunately, recent events, such as Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its backing of separatist forces in Ukraine, have demonstrated the inadequacy of these security guarantees. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the challenges that Ukraine faces in terms of security without the protection of nuclear weapons. The vulnerabilities of Ukrainian security are becoming increasingly apparent in the face of ongoing tensions with Russia.