Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a considerable nuclear arsenal. However, due to economic constraints and concerns about international relations, Ukraine made the decision to disarm itself of these nuclear weapons. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 provided assurances of security to Ukraine, but these guarantees were called into question when Russia took control of Crimea and backed separatist movements within Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the challenges that Ukraine faces in terms of security without the protection of a nuclear deterrent.