After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear arsenal. However, due to financial constraints and geopolitical concerns, Ukraine made the decision to surrender these nuclear weapons. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum was supposed to provide security assurances to Ukraine, but these guarantees were called into question when Russia seized Crimea and backed separatist movements within Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the importance of nuclear deterrence in ensuring the security of the Ukrainian state. The vulnerabilities in Ukrainian security have been laid bare, prompting renewed discussions about the country’s defense strategies and alliances. It is clear that the absence of a nuclear deterrent has left Ukraine exposed to external threats, making it imperative for the country to reassess its security policies in order to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.